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20 November 2014
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP)
Assessment report
Otezla
International non-proprietary name: apremilast
Procedure No. EMEA/H/C/003746
Note
Assessment report as adopted by the CHMP with all information of a commercially confidential nature
deleted.
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© European Medicines Agency, 2015. Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged.
Administrative information
Name of the medicinal product:
Otezla
Applicant:
Celgene Europe Limited
1 Longwalk Road
Stockley Park
UxbridgeUB11 1DB
United Kingdom
Active substance:
apremilast
International Nonproprietary Name/Common
apremilast
Name:
Pharmaco-therapeutic group
Immunosuppressant
(ATC Code):
(L04AA32)
Therapeutic indications:
Psoriatic arthritis
Otezla, alone or in combination with Disease
Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), is
indicated for the treatment of active psoriatic
arthritis (PsA) in adult patients who have had
an inadequate response or who have been
intolerant to a prior DMARD therapy (see
section 5.1).
Psoriasis
Otezla is indicated for the treatment of
moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis in
adult patients who failed to respond to or who
have a contraindication to, or are intolerant to
other systemic therapy including cyclosporine,
methotrexate or psoralen and ultraviolet-A
light (PUVA).
Pharmaceutical form:
Film-coated tablet
Strengths:
10 mg, 20 mg and 30 mg
Route of administration:
Oral use
Packaging:
Blister (PVC/aluminium foil)
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Package sizes:
4 x 10 mg + 4 x 20 mg + 19 x 30 mg tablets
56 x 30 mg tablets
and 168 x 30 mg tablets
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Table of contents
1. Background information on the procedure .............................................. 7
1.1. Submission of the dossier ...................................................................................... 7
1.2. Manufacturers ...................................................................................................... 9
1.3. Steps taken for the assessment of the product ......................................................... 9
2. Scientific discussion .............................................................................. 10
2.1. Introduction....................................................................................................... 10
2.2. Quality aspects .................................................................................................. 13
2.2.1. Introduction .................................................................................................... 13
2.2.2. Active Substance ............................................................................................. 13
2.2.3. Finished Medicinal Product ................................................................................ 15
2.2.4. Discussion on chemical, pharmaceutical and biological aspects .............................. 17
2.2.5. Conclusions on the chemical, pharmaceutical and biological aspects ...................... 17
2.2.6. Recommendation(s) for future quality development ............................................. 17
2.3. Non-clinical aspects ............................................................................................ 18
2.3.1. Introduction .................................................................................................... 18
2.3.2. Pharmacology ................................................................................................. 18
2.3.3. Pharmacokinetics............................................................................................. 32
2.3.4. Toxicology ...................................................................................................... 40
2.3.5. Ecotoxicity/environmental risk assessment ......................................................... 58
2.3.6. Discussion on non-clinical aspects...................................................................... 60
2.3.7. Conclusion on the non-clinical aspects ................................................................ 68
2.4. Clinical aspects .................................................................................................. 68
2.4.1. Introduction .................................................................................................... 68
2.4.2. Pharmacokinetics............................................................................................. 72
2.4.3. Pharmacodynamics .......................................................................................... 80
2.4.4. Discussion on clinical pharmacology ................................................................... 86
2.4.5. Conclusions on clinical pharmacology ................................................................. 89
2.5. Clinical efficacy .................................................................................................. 89
2.5.1. Dose response studies...................................................................................... 89
2.5.2. Main studies ................................................................................................... 90
2.5.3. Discussion on clinical efficacy .......................................................................... 140
2.5.4. Conclusions on the clinical efficacy ................................................................... 147
2.6. Clinical safety .................................................................................................. 148
2.6.1. Discussion on clinical safety ............................................................................ 177
2.6.2. Conclusions on the clinical safety ..................................................................... 179
2.7. Pharmacovigilance ............................................................................................ 180
2.8. Risk Management Plan ...................................................................................... 180
2.9. Product information .......................................................................................... 185
2.9.1. User consultation ........................................................................................... 185
3. Benefit-Risk Balance............................................................................ 185
4. Recommendations ............................................................................... 188
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List of abbreviations
AAR
Apremilast Subjects as Randomized/Re-randomized
AAT
Apremilast Subjects as Treated
ACR 20/50/70
20%/50%/70% improvement per the American College of
Rheumatology response criteria
ACR-N
American College of Rheumatology N index
APR 20 BID / APR 30 BID
Treatment group comprising subjects initially randomized to
apremilast 20 or 30 mg BID
APR 20 BID EE / APR 30 BID EE Treatment group comprising subjects in the APR 20 BID / APR
30 BID treatment groups who entered early escape at Week 16
APR 20 BID
NEE / APR 30
BID NEE
Treatment group comprising subjects in the APR 20 BID /
APR 30 BID treatment groups who did not enter early escape at
Week 16
APR
Apremilast
BASDAI
Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index
BID
Twice daily
BOCF
Baseline observation carried forward
BSA
Body surface area
cAMP
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate
CASPAR
Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis
CDAI
Clinical Disease Activity Index
DAS28(CRP) 28
Joint Disease Activity Score using CRP as acute phase reactant
DIP
Distal interphalangeal
DMARD
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug
DSC
Differential scanning calorimetry
DVS
Dynamic vapor sorption
ESR
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
EULAR
European League Against Rheumatism
FACIT-Fatigue
Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Fatigue
Subscale
FAS
Full analysis set
FT-IR
Fourier Transform InfraRed
GC
Gas chromatography
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GRAPPA
Group of Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic
Arthritis
HAQ-DI
Health Assessment Questionnaire – Disability Index
HPLC
High-performance liquid chromatography
ICH
The International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical
Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use
IR
Infrared
LOCF
Last observation carried forward
LS
Least-squares
MASES
Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score
MCID
Minimal clinically important difference
MCS
Mental component summary(SF-36v2)
MMRM
Mixed-effects model for repeat measures
MTX
Methotrexate
NMR
Nuclear magnetic resonance
NRI
Nonresponder imputation
NSAID
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
PASI
Psoriasis area and severity index
PASI-50
50% or greater improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index
score
PASI-75
75% or greater improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index
score
PBO/20 EE / PBO/30 EE
Treatment group comprising subjects initially randomized to
placebo who entered early escape and were re-randomized to
apremilast 20 or 30 mg BID at Week 16
PBO/20 XO / PBO/30 XO
Treatment group comprising subjects initially randomized to
placebo who were re-randomized to apremilast 20 or 30 mg BID at
Week 24
PCS
Physical component summary
PD
Pharmacodynamic
PDE4
Phosphodiesterase 4
PGA
Patient’s (Subject’s) Global Assessment
Ph. Eur.
European Pharmacopoeia
PK
Pharmacokinetic(s)
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PP
Per protocol
PsA
Psoriatic arthritis
PsARC
Psoriatic Arthritis Response Criteria
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride
RH
Relative humidity
SCQ
SF-36v2
Sponsor created queries
The Short Form (36) Health Survey
SMQ
Standardised MedDRA Queries
TGA
Thermal gravimetric analysis
UPLC
Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography
UV
Ultraviolet
XRPD
X-ray powder diffraction
1. Background information on the procedure
1.1. Submission of the dossier
The applicant Celgene Europe Limited submitted on 2 December 2013 an application for Marketing
Authorisation to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for Otezla, through the centralised procedure
falling within the Article 3(1) and point 3 of Annex of Regulation (EC) No 726/2004. The eligibility to the
centralised procedure was agreed upon by the EMA/CHMP on 21 March 2013.
The applicant applied for the following indication:
“Psoriatic arthritis:
Otezla, alone or in combination with Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), is indicated for
the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adult patients who have had an inadequate response or
who have been intolerant to a prior DMARD therapy, or who have a contraindication to a DMARD therapy.
Otezla has been shown to improve physical function.
Psoriasis:
Otezla is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (PSOR)
who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy.
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The legal basis for this application refers to:
Article 8.3 of Directive 2001/83/EC - complete and independent application. The applicant indicated that
apremilast was considered to be a new active substance.
The application submitted is composed of administrative information, complete quality data, non-clinical
and clinical data based on applicants’ own tests and studies and/or bibliographic literature
substituting/supporting certain test(s) or study(ies).
Information on Paediatric requirements
Pursuant to Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1901/2006, the application included an EMA Decision(s)
P/0171/2012 and P/0139/2013 on the agreement of a paediatric investigation plan (PIP).
At the time of submission of the application, the PIPs P/0171/2012 and P/0139/2013 were not yet
completed as some measures were deferred.
Information relating to orphan market exclusivity
Similarity
Pursuant to Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No. 141/2000 and Article 3 of Commission Regulation (EC) No
847/2000, the applicant did not submit a critical report addressing the possible similarity with authorised
orphan medicinal products because there is no authorised orphan medicinal product for a condition
related to the proposed indication.
New active Substance status
The applicant requested the active substance apremilast contained in the above medicinal product to be
considered as a new active substance in itself, as the applicant claims that it is not a constituent of a
product previously authorised within the Union.
Scientific Advice
The applicant received Scientific Advice from the CHMP on 24 June 2010. The Scientific Advice pertained
to clinical aspects of the dossier.
Licensing status
Otezla has been given a Marketing Authorisation in the US on 21 March 2014 for the treatment of adults
with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and on 23 September 2014 for the treatment of psoriasis. Otezla has
been given Marketing Authorisation in the Canada on 12 November 2014 for the treatment of psoriasis.
A new application was filed in the following countries: Australia, Switzerland and Israel.
The product was not licensed in any country at the time of submission of the application.
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1.2. Manufacturer
Manufacturer responsible for batch release
Celgene Europe Limited
1 Longwalk Road
Stockley Park
Uxbridge
Middlesex
UB11 1DB
United Kingdom
1.3. Steps taken for the assessment of the product
The Rapporteur and Co-Rapporteur appointed by the CHMP were:
Rapporteur: Patrick Salmon
Co-Rapporteur: Robert James Hemmings
•
The application was received by the EMA on 2 December 2013.
•
The procedure started on 26 December 2013.
•
The Rapporteur's first Assessment Report was circulated to all CHMP members on 18 March 2014.
The Co-Rapporteur's first Assessment Report was circulated to all CHMP members on 18 March
2014.
•
During the meeting on 10 April 2014 the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC)
adopted the PRAC Advice on the submitted Risk Management Plan.
•
During the meeting on 25 April 2014, the CHMP agreed on the consolidated List of Questions to be
sent to the applicant. The final consolidated List of Questions was sent to the applicant on 28 April
2014.
•
The applicant submitted the responses to the CHMP consolidated List of Questions on 23 July 2014.
•
The Rapporteurs circulated the Joint Assessment Report on the applicant’s responses to the List of
Questions to all CHMP members on 02 September 2014.
•
During the CHMP meeting on 25 September 2014, the CHMP agreed on a list of outstanding issues
to be addressed in writing and/or in an oral explanation by the applicant.
•
The applicant submitted the responses to the CHMP List of Outstanding Issues on 20 October 2014.
•
The Rapporteurs circulated the Joint Assessment Report on the applicant’s responses to the List of
Outstanding issues to all CHMP members on 28 October 2014.
•
During the meeting on 6 November the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC)
adopted the PRAC Advice on the submitted Risk Management Plan.
•
During a meeting of the Safety Working Party (SWP) on 28 October 2014, experts were convened to
address questions raised by the CHMP.
•
During the meeting on 20 November 2014, the CHMP, in the light of the overall data submitted and
the scientific discussion within the Committee, issued a positive opinion for granting a Marketing
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Authorisation to Otezla.
2. Scientific discussion
2.1. Introduction
Problem statement
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease which may lead to progressive joint inflammation and
injury, impaired functional activity and reduced quality of life, necessitating chronic, continual treatment
to ensure disease control (Gladman, 2001; Mease, 2005a). Current therapies do not always adequately
control the disease in all patients. Ultimately, most therapies fail to maintain clinical disease control over
time. An unmet medical need for new treatments remains high, especially for therapies that confer a
favorable benefit/risk profile, have alternative mechanisms of action, are convenient to use, and address
both the rheumatic and dermatologic manifestations of PsA.
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that requires long-term treatment, ideally with effective agents that offer
convenient dosing and a favorable benefit/risk profile. Despite the variety of treatment options available,
patients are often dissatisfied with current therapeutic approaches, and their compliance with treatment
is poor. Given the limitations associated with current therapies for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis,
there remains an unmet medical need for an effective treatment, along with a low incidence and severity
of adverse events that offers convenient oral dosing.
About the product
Apremilast (CC-10004) is a novel, oral small-molecule inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) that works
intracellularly to modulate a network of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators.Phosphodiesterase 4 is a
cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-specific PDE and is the dominant PDE in inflammatory cells.
Inhibition of PDE4 elevates intracellular cAMP levels, which in turn downregulates the inflammatory
response by modulating the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-23, IL-17,
and other proinflammatory cytokines. Elevation of cAMP also increases anti-inflammatory cytokines.
These pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators have been implicated in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
(PsA) (Schafer, 2010). The proinflammatory mediators that are upregulated in PsA include the cytokines
TNF-α, IL-1,IL-6, and IL-8, and the chemokines monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and
macrophageinflammatory protein-1 beta (MIP-1β) (CC-10004-PSA-002-PD).
Based on these effects, apremilast is being developed for use in the treatment of various
immune-mediated inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, PsA, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Behçet
disease (BD), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). A total of 4089 subjects have been exposed to apremilast
across multiple indications, including 1945 subjects in the PsA Phase 3 clinical program and 1184 subjects
in the PSOR Phase 3 clinical program.
The proposed therapeutic indication is:
“Psoriatic arthritis
Otezla, alone or in combination with Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), is indicated for
the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adult patients who have had an inadequate response or
who have been intolerant to a prior DMARD therapy, or who have a contraindication to a DMARD therapy.
Otezla has been shown to improve physical function.
Psoriasis
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“Otezla is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (PSOR)
who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy.”
Type of application and aspect on development
The applicant has undertaken a comprehensive clinical development programme covering the essential
aspects in relation to this new chemical entity within the Phase I Clinical Pharmacology and Phase2/3
Efficacy and Safety programmes. In addition to standard pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, the
package incorporates PK/PD modelling aspects across the development programme which provides a
thorough understanding of the handling and behaviour of apremilast within the target patient population
and special groups who might receive this treatment. The data submitted also address the other aspects
of the product specifications including potential interactions and adverse drug reactions. The
development programme, as well as complying with the relevant EU Guidelines for the two proposed
indications (Guideline on clinical investigation of medicinal products for the treatment of psoriasis
(CHMP/EWP/2454/02;2005) and psoriatic arthritis (CHMP/EWP/438/04; 2007), has taken into account
regulatory precedence and the previous CHMP advice received on 24 June 2010 as summarised below:
Summary of CHMP Advice in each Indication
Psoriasis
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
Conduct a membrane transporter study and a
ciclosporin (CsA) drug interaction study
to complement the submission package
Use of PASI and PGA as endpoints.
Evaluation of two doses (20mg and 30mg) in
pivotal studies
Use of Week 16 as an adequate time point for
Inclusion based on the Classification Criteria for
assessment of PASI-75 as a primary
Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR) and Functional Class
Endpoint.
I-III (ACR classification of Functional Status)
Use of Week 16 as an adequate time point for
Primary endpoint: modified ACR 20 response at
assessment of PASI-75 as a primary
week 24
Endpoint.
Sensitivity analysis to support the use of the last
Proposed statistical methodology including sample
observation carried forward (LOCF)
size and use of non-responder imputation (NRI) for
subjects who discontinue early or meet the early
escape (EE) criteria at week 16.
Placebo-controlled design acceptable (inclusion of
Placebo-controlled design. Inclusion of an active
an active comparator arm in one of
comparator in at least one Phase 3 study useful but
the pivotal studies is recommended) (see below)
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Withdrawal design and time points acceptable,
52 weeks’ efficacy data showing maintenance of
definition of loss of response to be
effect.
Reconsidered.
Stratification to previous therapies, history of
psoriasis, background treatment
Standardisation.
Long-term data (52 weeks) for submission.
The pivotal studies would only support a
second-line indication (after inadequate response
to DMARDs)
The applicant considered that all key points from the Scientific Advice received have been addressed in
the design of the clinical studies, with the exception of the following points for which a justification for
deviation has been provided:
•
Psoriasis (PSOR) programme
o
CsA interaction study: This has been omitted as justified by the applicant in section 2.1.10.
o
Stratification: Although the Phase 3 trials were not stratified according to previous
therapies, history of PSOR, and background treatment(s), these factors were generally well
balanced between treatment groups and across studies.
o
Active comparator: after due consideration, the applicant’s approach has been to use the
limited patient resources available to fully characterise the efficacy and safety of APR in
patients with moderate to severe plaque PSOR rather than include an active comparator
arm. The applicant believes that etanercept is the most appropriate benchmark comparator
and that its efficacy and safety profile has been well characterised in the target patient
population. A comparison of the activity of APR with historic etanercept data is therefore
considered by the Applicant to be feasible and to provide relevant information regarding the
relative benefit/risk profile of APR.
•
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) programme
o
Primary endpoint (modified ACR 20 response) – instead of being at Week 24 this was
changed to Week 16 prior to database lock and unblinding. The Applicant decided to do this
because, given the design of the study, Week 16 provided the only true placebo-controlled
evaluation of the efficacy of APR, due to the early escape provision at this time-point for
placebo-treated patients. The fact that recent clinical trials evaluating other systemic
therapies in PsA have used primary endpoints between Weeks 12 to 16 supports the validity
of this change (Antoni, 2005; Mease, 2005b; Kavanaugh, 2009).
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2.2. Quality aspects
2.2.1. Introduction
The finished product is presented as film-coated tablet containing 10 mg, 20 mg or 30 mg of apremilast
as active substance.
Other ingredients are: for the tablet core: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate,
croscarmellose calcium, magnesium stearate, for the film-coating: polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide
(E171), macrogol 3350, talc, iron oxide red (E172). The 20 mg tablets also contain iron oxide yellow
(E172). The 30 mg tablets also contain iron oxide yellow (E172) and iron oxide black (E172).
The product is available in PVC/ aluminium foil blisters.
2.2.2. Active Substance
General information
The chemical name of apremilast is
N-[2-[(1S)-1-(3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(methylsulfonyl)ethyl]-1,3-dioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindol
-4-yl]acetamide and has the following structure:
Apremilast is a white to pale-yellow non hygroscopic powder, practically insoluble in aqueous buffers
irrespective of pH range, soluble in acetone, acetonitrile, methylethylketone, methylene chloride and
tetrahydrofuran. Active substance is classified as having low solubility and low permeability according to
Biopharmaceutical Classification System (i.e. BCS Class 4).
The chemical structure of apremilast has been adequately demonstrated by elemental analysis, IR and UV
spectroscopy, 1H and
13
C NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, single crystal X-ray diffraction and
XRPD, DSC, TGA, DVS and particle size distribution, and a polymorphism screen (polymorphs were
characterised using XRPD, DSC, TGA, DVS, TGA/FT-IR and microscopic examination).
Apremilast exhibits stereoisomerism due to presence of a single chiral centre, with the (S)-enantiomer
being pharmacologically active. Active substance stability studies and clinical studies have demonstrated
that there is no interconversion of apremilast (S)-enantiomer to its (R)-enantiomer both on storage and
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in vivo. Polymorphism has been observed for apremilast and seven polymorphic forms (designated A-G)
of the active substance were identified. The desired form B was found to be the most thermodynamically
stable anhydrous form of apremilast. The manufacturing process consistently yields active substance of
single crystal form B.
Manufacture, characterisation and process controls
Apremilast active substance is obtained from two manufacturers.
The synthesis of apremilast is well described. Two manufacturing processes have been proposed for the
synthesis of the active substance. Both processes use the same synthetic route, but differ primarily in the
solvents that are used in the isolation of crude active substance.
The designation of starting materials was revised during the assessment procedure.
Apremilast is synthesized in either 4 main steps or 3 main steps, using commercially available, well
defined starting materials with acceptable specifications. The proposed manufacturing processes differ in
the initial stages of synthesis with different isolated intermediates in which chiral purity is controlled. The
manufacture of apremilast active substance includes the following steps common to both processes: i)
coupling (chemical transformation) of the starting materials and intermediates to yield apremilast crude
and ii) recrystallisation and drying of apremilast crude to yield the desired polymorph, Form B. The
synthetic route used in the manufacturing process of the active substance is designed to manufacture
(S)-enantiomer (i.e. pharmacologically active moiety), with enantiomeric purity routinely controlled by
chiral HPLC. It was demonstrated that there is no inter-conversion between the two enantiomers during
the manufacturing process and that the final level of the (R)-enantiomer in the active substance reflects
that present in the intermediates.
Manufacturing process validation has been carried out for both processes on each of the manufacturing
sites.
The characterisation of the active substance and its impurities are in accordance with the EU guideline on
Chemistry of New Active Substances. Potential and actual impurities were well discussed with regards to
their origin and characterisation.
Adequate in-process controls are applied during the synthesis. The specifications and control methods for
intermediate products, starting materials and reagents have been presented.
Specification
The active substance specification includes tests for: appearance (visual examination), identity (FT-IR,
HPLC), assay (HPLC), impurities (HPLC), residual solvents (GC), chiral purity (HPLC), heavy metals
(Ph. Eur.), residue on ignition (Ph. Eur.), and particle size (laser diffraction).
The analytical methods used have been adequately described and non-compendial methods appropriately
validated in accordance with the ICH guidelines.
Batch analysis data (n=47, 19 of which are commercial scale) of the active substance are provided. The
results are within the specifications and consistent from batch to batch.
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Stability
Stability data on three pilot scale batches of active substance, stored in a container closure system
representative of that intended for the market for 36 months under long term conditions at
25 ºC / 60% RH and for up to 6 months under accelerated conditions at 40 ºC / 75% RH according to the
ICH guidelines, were provided.
Additionally, stability data on one commercial scale batch of active substance, stored in a container
closure system representative of that intended for the market for 24 months under long term conditions
at 25 ºC / 60% RH and for up to 6 months under accelerated conditions at 40 ºC / 75% RH according to
the ICH guidelines, was provided.
Finally, stability data on three commercial scale batches of active substance, stored in a container closure
system representative of that intended for the market for up to 18 months, under long term conditions at
25 ºC / 60% RH according to the ICH guidelines, were provided.
Photostability testing following the ICH guideline Q1B was performed on one batch. Results on stress
conditions under acid, base, oxidation and thermal stress were also provided on one batch.
The following parameters were tested: appearance, assay and impurities, water, chiral purity and
polymorphic form. The parameters include those tested for release, with some additional parameters
being monitored. The analytical methods used were the same as for release and are stability indicating.
The stability results indicate that the active substance manufactured by the proposed suppliers is
sufficiently stable. The stability results justify the proposed retest period in the proposed container.
2.2.3. Finished Medicinal Product
Description of the product and pharmaceutical development
The aim of the pharmaceutical development was to develop an immediate release solid dosage form for
oral use providing high bioavailability of the active substance that is practically insoluble in water
(7 μg/mL at room temperature). In order to allow for flexibility in posology requirements, film-coated
tablets containing 10 mg, 20 mg or 30 mg of apremilast as active substance were developed.
Physico chemical properties of active substance that could affect critical quality attributes (assay, content
uniformity, and dissolution), were assessed. During formulation development, different formulations
were developed. The proposed commercial formulation contains qualitatively the same core formulation
composition as the formulation used in phase III clinical studies. These formulations were manufactured
by the essentially the same manufacturing process. Changes in formulation have been supported by
dissolution studies and f2 comparisons showing adequate product development. In particular dissolution
comparison was carried out at three pH values, between formulation tablets used in clinical studies and
commercial formulation tablets. Certain bioequivalence and bioavailability data in support of formulations
during development has been provided.
All excipients are well known pharmaceutical ingredients and their quality is compliant with Ph. Eur.
standards, except the proprietary Opadry II coating material. There are no novel excipients used in the
finished product formulation. The list of excipients is included in section 6.1 of the SmPC.
Compatibility studies of apremilast with all excipients used in the proposed commercial formulation were
conducted and compatibility was demonstrated.
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Pharmaceutical development of the finished product contains QbD elements. Firstly the applicant carried
out risk assessments to identify medium to high risk material attributes and process variables and to
determine which studies were necessary to achieve product and process understanding in order to
develop a control strategy. Quality by Design (QbD) studies were then conducted using a Design of
Experiments (DoE) approach in order to characterise the impact of the medium to high risk parameters on
the Critical Quality Attributes (CQA) of the finished product. Quality target product profile (QTPP) was
established and it is analogous to the finished product specifications.
The quality target product profile (QTPP) was defined as an immediate release dosage form suitable for
oral route of administration that meets compendial and other relevant quality standards, and maintains
the required quality attributes throughout shelf life.
The critical quality attributes identified were assay, content uniformity and dissolution. Appearance was a
CQA in coating process.
The formulation and manufacturing development have been evaluated through the use of risk
assessment and design of experiments to identify the critical product quality attributes and critical
process parameters. The risk identification was based on the experience from formulation development,
process design and DoE studies. The critical process parameters have been adequately identified.
Extensive knowledge of the product has been gained by this development approach, however it is not
proposed to apply a design space as the relevant parameters impacting finished product performance are
controlled using a control strategy which includes control of material attributes, control of critical process
parameters and finished product specifications. The dissolution method was developed considering the
physico chemical characteristics of the active substance and the finished product. The discriminatory
power of the dissolution method has been demonstrated.
The primary packaging is PVC/ aluminium foil blister. The material complies with Ph. Eur. and EC
requirements. The choice of the container closure system has been validated by stability data and is
adequate for the intended use of the product.
Manufacture of the product and process controls
The manufacturing process consists of three main steps: i) blending and lubrication process, ii)
compression process and iii) coating process. The process is considered to be a standard manufacturing
process.
Major steps of the manufacturing process have been validated by a number of studies. It has been
demonstrated that the manufacturing process is capable of producing the finished product of intended
quality in a reproducible manner. The in-process controls are adequate for standard manufacturing
process of film-coated tablets.
Product specification
The finished product release specifications include appropriate tests for this kind of dosage form:
description (visual), identification (UV, UPLC), assay (UPLC), degradation products (UPLC), content
uniformity/ uniformity of dosage units (UPLC), dissolution (UPLC), and microbial limits (Ph. Eur.). The
suitability of the methods in control of the finished product was demonstrated.
Batch analysis results are provided for 28 batches, 25 of which were commercial scale batches confirming
the consistency of the manufacturing process and its ability to manufacture to the intended product
specification.
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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Stability of the product
Stability data of 4 pilot scale batches of each strength for up to 24 months and 16 commercial scale
batches of 10 mg and 20 mg strength, as well as 17 commercial scale batches of 30 mg strength of
finished product stored under long term conditions for up to 18 months at 30 ºC / 60% RH and data of 4
pilot scale batches of each strength and 16 commercial scale batches of 10 mg and 20 mg strength, as
well as 17 commercial scale batches of 30 mg strength of finished product for up to 9 months under
accelerated conditions at 40 ºC / 75% RH according to the ICH guidelines were provided. The batches are
identical to those proposed for marketing and were packed in the primary packaging proposed for
marketing.
Samples were tested for appearance, assay (UPLC), degradation products (UPLC), dissolution (UPLC),
and microbial limits (Ph. Eur.). The analytical procedures used are stability indicating.
In addition, one batch of each strength was exposed to light as defined in the ICH Guideline on
Photostability Testing of New Drug Substances and Products.
Based on observed variability of batch analysis data for dissolution under accelerated conditions, a
storage condition of ‘do not store above 30 °C’ was implemented.
Based on available stability data, the shelf-life as stated in the SmPC is acceptable.
Adventitious agents
It is confirmed that the lactose is produced from milk from healthy animals in the same condition as those
used to collect milk for human consumption and that the lactose has been prepared without the use of
ruminant material other than calf rennet according to the Note for Guidance on Minimising the Risk of
Transmitting Animal Spongiform Encephalopathy Agents Via Human and veterinary medicinal products.
2.2.4. Discussion on chemical, pharmaceutical and biological aspects
Information on development, manufacture and control of the active substance and finished product has
been presented in a satisfactory manner. The results of tests carried out indicate consistency and
uniformity of important product quality characteristics, and these in turn lead to the conclusion that the
product should have a satisfactory and uniform performance in clinical use.
2.2.5. Conclusions on the chemical, pharmaceutical and biological aspects
The quality of this product is considered to be acceptable when used in accordance with the conditions
defined in the SmPC. Physicochemical and biological aspects relevant to the uniform clinical performance
of the product have been investigated and are controlled in a satisfactory way. Data has been presented
to give reassurance on viral/TSE safety.
2.2.6. Recommendation(s) for future quality development
Not applicable.
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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2.3. Non-clinical aspects
2.3.1. Introduction
The nonclinical pharmacology programme for Otezla consisted of pharmacodynamic studies in in vitro
assays and in vivo animal models of inflammatory conditions, and safety pharmacology studies.
Pharmacokinetic studies were performed to determine ADME and drug-drug interaction potential. The
nonclinical toxicology programme included single-dose toxicity studies in mice and rats, a series of
repeat-dose toxicity studies for dosing durations up to 6 months in mice and 12 months in monkeys,
genotoxicity core battery studies, carcinogenicity studies in mice and rats including 3-month maximum
tolerated dose (MTD) studies to select the dosages for 2-year carcinogenicity studies, reproductive and
developmental toxicity studies in mice and monkeys, local tolerance studies, and a juvenile mouse study.
2.3.2. Pharmacology
Primary pharmacodynamic studies
In Vitro Pharmacodynamic Activity of Apremilast
Enzyme assays
The PDE4 enzyme assay results indicated that apremilast is a potent and selective inhibitor of the PDE4
enzyme isolated from U937 human monocytic cells (Muller, 1998) (half maximal inhibitory concentration
[IC50] = 74 nM). The specificity of apremilast for PDE4 inhibition was assessed by testing a single
concentration (10 μM) against PDE1, PDE2, PDE3, PDE5, PDE6, PDE7, and PDE11 enzymes. The results
indicated that apremilast was between approximately 279- to 40,000-fold more selective for PDE4
inhibition compared with the other PDE enzymes.
Apremilast was also investigated for PDE enzyme specificity and was tested against additional
recombinant human PDEs 1A, 1C, 2A, 3A, 3B, 4A1A, 4B1, 4B2, 4C1, 4D2, 5A1, 7A, 7B, 8A1, 9A2, 10A1,
and 11A4 at room temperature for 1 hour. Apremilast displayed an average of ≈ 95% (range: 91% to
99%) inhibition of the PDE4 enzymes (A1A, B1, B2, C1, and D2) in a largely non-selective manner,
without significant inhibition of other PDEs tested. In dose response inhibition assays (0.001 μM - 10 μM
apremilast) on recombinant human PDE4s A1A, B1, B2, C1, D2, D3, and D7, IC 50 values were 14, 43, 27,
118, 33, 28, and 30 nM, respectively.
Apremilast also binds to the high affinity rolipram binding site (HARBS) form of the PDE4 enzyme from rat
brain. Binding of a PDE4 inhibitor to HARBS has been correlated with increased acid production in rabbit
gastric acid glands (Barnette, 1995). Also apremilast (IC50 = 74 nM), an optically pure S-isomer of the
racemate CC-7085, was 8-fold more potent than its R-isomer CC-10007 (IC50 = 611 nM) for PDE4
enzyme inhibition. Since apremilast does not interconvert to the R-isomer in animals or humans, none of
the pharmacological activity of apremilast is derived from the R-isomer.
Binding specificity was investigated in non-GLP study. Apremilast (10 μM) was profiled for binding to 68
cell surface receptors and for inhibition of 17 enzymes (Report 8611). The results demonstrated that
apremilast had no significant activity against any of the receptors or enzymes, except for 95% inhibition
of PDE4, and 52% enhanced agonist binding of the L-type (verapamil) calcium channel receptor.
However, results from a subsequent study (Report CC-10004-ET-151) confirmed that the 52% inhibition
of the L-type (verapamil) calcium channel observed at 10 µM apremilast was a false positive hit. Kinase
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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inhibition profiling of apremilast (10 µM) using Invitrogen's SelectScreen® Profiling Service
demonstrated that the compound did not significantly inhibit any of the 255 kinases tested.
Cellular Assays of Inflammatory Responses
Apremilast was evaluated in human cellular assays examining effects on cytokines derived from
monocytes and T cells, PGE2 production, cAMP elevation, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression, neutrophil
adhesion, endothelial cell migration, and antiproliferative/antiangiogenic activity (Table 1) (Report
5042-107; Report 5424-11; Report 5478-159; Report 5299-148; Report 5197-130; Report 5279-153;
Report 5127-132; Report 5478-100; Report 5638-35).
Table 1: Cellular Pharmacologic activity of apremilast
Human whole blood, pre-treated for 1 hour with apremilast (0.5 and 1.5 μM), was stimulated with LPS for
18 hours using a TruCulture™ System (Report 7600-043). Apremilast had significant inhibitory effects at
0.5 and 1.5 μM on TNF-α, IL-12/IL-23 p40, interferon gamma inducible protein 10 (IP-10), and MCP-1
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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production in LPS-stimulated human whole blood (p <0.001). Apremilast also had significant inhibitory
effects at 1.5 μM on IL-23 p19 and total IL-23 production (p < 0.001). There was no effect on IL-10
production in whole blood in this system. IFN-γ, IL-12 p70, IL-17A, and IL-22 were below the limit of
quantitation. The inability to quantify IL-12p70 in this system suggested that the IL-12/IL-23 p40
expressed in this system is predominantly in complex with IL-23 p19.
Gene expression studies
To study the intracellular mechanism of action of apremilast on the PKA and NF-κB pathways, Jurkat T
cells and THP-1 monocytic cells were incubated with apremilast (0.1 - 1 μM) alone, or with forskolin (10
μM each), for 30 minutes (Report 7600-011). Jurkat T cells and THP-1 monocytic cells were also
incubated under the same conditions with IκB kinase (IKK) inhibitor VII for 1 hour, followed by
stimulation with recombinant human TNF-α (rhTNF-α) or LPS, respectively, for an additional hour.
Apremilast modulated pro- and anti-inflammatory gene expression by activating the PKA-CREB pathway,
resulting in enhancement of cAMP responsive element (CRE)-driven gene transcription and inhibition of
NF-κB-driven gene transcription. To study the effects of apremilast on gene expression, HPBMCs and
monocytes were stimulated for 24 hours and 6 hours, respectively, after incubation with 1 μM apremilast
for 1 hour. These gene expression studies in LPS-stimulated HPBMCs and monocytes identified several
targets of gene regulation by apremilast, with effects including the inhibition of many chemokines,
chemokine receptors, and Th1 cytokine genes, as well as enhancement of the genes encoding the
anti-inflammatory factor suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3), the chemokine epithelial-derived
neutrophilactivating peptide 78 (ENA-78), and growth factors amphiregulin and bone morphogenic
protein 6 (BMP-6).
Apremilast inhibited protein expression of IFN-γ, IP-10, MIG, and TNF-α, but enhanced MMP-1 expression
(EC 50 = 0.017 μM). However, the effect on MMP-1 was biphasic, enhancing production at 0.1 and 1 μM but
inhibiting at 10 μM (Report 5478-100; Report BSK-1073). After 6 hours of incubation with 1 μM
apremilast in LPS-stimulated human monocytes, there was a 1.53-fold increase in IL-10 gene expression;
however, the change was not statistically significant (Report 7600-011).
The T cell regulatory cytokine IL-7, produced by chondrocytes and synoviocytes, plays a role in
inflammatory joint diseases such as arthritis and in bone damage (Long, 2008). In particular, IL-7 mRNA
and protein levels were increased in synovial fluid of spondylarthritis and RA patients (Rihl, 2008). In
normal primary human, chondrocytes stimulated with IL-1, IL-6, and IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) for 18 hours,
apremilast (0.1 - 10 μM) significantly inhibited IL-7 gene expression in a dose-dependent manner (Report
5673-140). In this assay, apremilast was a more effective inhibitor of IL-7 gene expression than
methotrexate (MTX) and ETAN within dose ranges that encompassed their respective maximum plasma
concentrations (C max : MTX = 400 ng/mL and ETAN = 1600 ng/mL). Conversely, apremilast was not as
effective as prednisolone (PRED). Also, in stimulated primary human normal chondrocytes, apremilast
weakly inhibited expression of the synovial tissue biomarkers ICAM-1 and alpha-v-beta-3 (αvβ3) integrin.
In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fibroblasts stimulated with IL-1, IL-6, and IL-6R, apremilast
significantly inhibited IL-7 gene expression in a dose-dependent manner.
PDE4 inhibitors have been shown to elevate PGE2 production by HPBMCs (Banner, 1999), an effect that
may involve the activation of a cAMP responsive element in the COX-2 promoter (Schroer, 2002). The
effect of apremilast (up to 100 μM) on COX-2 expression and subsequent PGE2 formation by HPBMCs
was therefore examined (Report 5197-130). Apremilast, added 1 hour prior to 20 hours of stimulation,
increased COX-2 and PGE2 production by LPS- or phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated HPBMCs by 50%
to 100%, demonstrating that apremilast enhanced, rather than inhibited, COX-2 expression in stimulated
HPBMCs. However, apremilast (up to 100 μM), added to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)
or platelets 1 hour prior to the 18-hour incubation with platelets or calcium ionophore A23187,
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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respectively, did not affect either prostacyclin or thromboxane production in the HUVEC/platelet
co-culture system, or in calcium ionophore-stimulated platelets, indicating that apremilast does not
modulate the eicosanoid production pathway in these cell types (Report 5299-148).
Bone marrow mononuclear cells and normal human osteoblasts were incubated with apremilast at
clinically relevant concentrations (0.1 - 1 μM) for 7 days (Report 7645-001). Apremilast significantly
inhibited osteoclastogenesis at these concentrations. This effect was associated with a decrease in form of
soluble receptor activator nuclear factor κ-B ligand (sRANKL) protein expression and an increase in BMP-6
gene expression in the osteoclast cultures, an effect which was also observed in osteoblast cultures.
Apremilast decreased the sRANKL/osteoprotegerin (OPG) protein ratio in both osteoclast and osteoblast
cultures, and the effect was more pronounced in the osteoblasts. In contrast, positive controls rolipram,
alendronate, and sulphasalazine had no effect on the sRANKL/OPG protein ratio, indicating that
apremilast acts by a distinct mechanism.
Comparative studies with other PDE4 inhibitors
The activity of PDE4 inhibitors apremilast, cilomilast, and roflumilast was compared using rat, mouse,
monkey, and human whole blood stimulated with LPS in vitro (Report 5265-117). After one hour of LPS
stimulation, these inhibitors caused a dose-dependent elevation in IL-6 production from LPS-stimulated
whole blood from mouse (3- to 5-fold) and rat (2- to 3-fold), but not from monkey or human whole blood.
Apremilast, cilomilast, and roflumilast essentially had no effect on human IL-6 production, and partially
inhibited monkey IL-6 production (maximum of 50%). In conclusion, the PDE4 inhibitors apremilast,
cilomilast, and roflumilast had a qualitatively different effect on LPS-induced IL-6 production in vitro by
the whole blood of rodents compared to that of primates and humans. These results indicate that rodents
are more sensitive to PDE inhibitor-induced inflammatory response than primates and humans.
Evaluation of antiproliferative effects
Normal human lung fibroblast (NHLF) were incubated with apremilast (0.0001 - 100 µM) for 1 hour prior
to the addition of LPS (1 ng/mL), TNF-α (10 ng/mL), or transforming growth factor- β 1 (TGF- β 1) (10
ng/mL) for 24 or 48 hours, followed by 3H-thymidine incorporation for 24 or 48 hours (Report 5299-083).
Apremilast displayed weak antiproliferative effects on NHLF in the 24-hour 3H-thymidine assay (IC50
values >100 µM under LPS, TNF- α, or TGF-β1 stimulated conditions). The apremilast antiproliferative
activity improved in the 48-hour assay with IC50 values of 92, 40 and 52 µM for the LPS, TNF- α, and
TGF-β1 conditions, respectively.
Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were treated for 1 hour with apremilast (0.00001 - 10 µM), followed by
incubation with IL-1β (1 ng/mL), TNF- α (5 ng/mL), or IFN-γ (20 ng/mL) for 72 hours and then
3
H-thymidine incorporation for 6 hours (Report 5570-044). After HDFs were stimulated, apremilast
displayed no observable antiproliferative effect on HDF survival in the concentration range tested (IC50 >
10 µM). The effect appeared to be biphasic, with 30% enhancement at 0.1 µM but with proliferation
returning to baseline at 10 µM.
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is associated with fibroblast proliferation. In order to determine
the effects of apremilast on PAI-1 production, HDFs were treated for 1 hour with apremilast (0.00001 - 10
µM), followed by stimulation with rhIL-1β (1 ng/mL), rhTNF-α (5 ng/mL), or rhIFN-γ (20 ng/mL) for 24
hours (Report 5570-044). Results from a human PAI-1 ELISA indicated that 10 µM apremilast displayed
weak PAI-1 inhibitory effects achieving approximately 17% inhibition. However, at approximately 0.1 µM
apremilast, the effect on PAI-1 expression and fibroblast proliferation started to decline (Report
BSK-1073).
Evaluation of antiangiogenic potential
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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The effect of apremilast on VEGF-induced HUVEC proliferation and intracellular signalling was examined
(Report 5279-153). After 1-hour incubation with apremilast (0.001 - 100 µM), followed by stimulation
with VEGF or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for 72 hours, apremilast inhibited VEGF-induced
HUVEC proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 6.7 µM, but was an
ineffective inhibitor in the bFGF-induced proliferation assay. Also, apremilast (100 µM) displayed a
significant inhibitory effect on Ser473-Akt phosphorylation but failed to block Akt phosphorylation at the
Thr308 site. In the human angiogenesis assay, apremilast inhibited sprout formation from human
umbilical cord blood vessels in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 = 0.14 µM (Report
5127-132). Additionally, after 18 hours of LPS stimulation of HUVECs, apremilast (10 µM; 4.6 µg/mL)
inhibited IL-1β-induced nitric oxide production by 87%, indicating a potential suppressive effect on nitric
oxide synthase isozyme expression in endothelial cells (Report 5042-107). These results indicated that
apremilast inhibits VEGF signalling and new blood vessel formation via endothelial cells, and block
endothelial cell proliferation, and therefore may have an impact on angiogenic processes such as those
that occur in PsA and PSOR (Coates, 2008b).
The effect of apremilast on hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and p53 tumor suppressor protein
expression in HUVECs under hypoxic conditions was investigated (Report 5387-08). Time course results
showed that HIF-1 α protein begins accumulating in approximately 30 minutes under hypoxic conditions,
with maximum accumulation between 120 - 240 minutes. In HUVECs, apremilast inhibited the
VEGF-induced VEGF receptor tyrosine phosphorylation (100 µM) and mitogen-activated protein kinase
(MAPK) phosphorylation. Also, apremilast (0.01 - 10 µM) inhibited HIF-1α protein expression in HUVECs
under hypoxic conditions at 30 minutes and 2 hours within a range of 45% to 92%. Conversely,
apremilast (0.1 - 10 µM) enhanced the p53 tumor suppressor protein expression ≈ 4-to 4.5-fold at the
18-hour time point, which diminished slightly at the 36-hour time point to yield a 2.3- to 2.9-fold
enhancement, suggesting that apremilast enhances p53 tumor suppressor protein expression for up to 36
hours under hypoxic conditions. These findings illustrated the mechanism of apremilast antiangiogenic
activity and its ability to enhance p53 tumor suppressor protein expression.
Pharmacological Activity of the Metabolic Products of Apremilast
In vivo, apremilast is converted to several metabolic products, including the hydrolysis degradants M1
and M2, the O-desmethyl metabolite M3 (tested as racemate CC-15604 and S-isomer CC-16085,
respectively), the O-desethyl metabolite M5, the N-deacetyl metabolite M7, the O-desmethyl glucuronide
metabolite M12, the N-deacetyl O-desmethyl glucuronide metabolite M14, the
acetamide-hydroxy-glucuronide M16 and the acetamide-hydroxy metabolite M17. The synthesized
metabolites, including M12 isolated from human urine, were assayed for PDE4 enzyme activity and TNF-α
production, and compared with the parent drug (Report 5275-179, Report 5347-137, Report 5424-75;
Report 5638-96). Only the M7 and M17 metabolites (represented as CC-10055 and CC-16401,
respectively), demonstrated potent inhibition of both PDE4 enzyme activity and TNF-α production,
indicative of pharmacologically active apremilast metabolites (Report 5275-179; Report 5424-75), albeit
less potent than apremilast. These data showed that the major circulating and excreted metabolites of
apremilast are inactive or markedly less active towards the PDE4 enzyme and TNF- α production. The two
pharmacologically active metabolites M7 and M17, account for less than 1% of the apremilast plasma
exposure, and are not anticipated to contribute to the pharmacodynamics effects to a notable extent
(Report CC-10004-PK-002).
In Vivo Pharmacodynamic Activity of Apremilast
Apremilast pharmacology was investigated in in vivo animal models of disease, including inflammatory
and arthritis rodent models, psoriasis mouse models, UVB-stimulated SKH-1 hairless mice, and T and B
cell adaptive transfer models. Antiarthritic and anti-inflammatory activity of apremilast was investigated
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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in LPS, carrageen, and collagen-induced models of disease in rodents. Psoriasis effects were determined
in the human skin xenograft model in mice. The studies and the relevant findings are summarised in Table
2:
Table 2: In vivo pharmacodynamic activity of apremilast
Study
Number
Treatment Stimulus
Duration
Dose/ Route Study Type
of
Species/Sex
Administration
Acute TNF-α Production, Inflammation, and Hyperalgesia
Major
Findings
BALB/c
mice Females
Apremilast
inhibited
LPSinduced
serum
TNF-α levels with
an ED50 of 0.05
mg/kg.
0.01 - 10
mg/kg, PO
CD
Females
rats
Apremilast inhibited
LPSinduced
plasma TNF-α levels
> 80% (ED50 =
0.018 mg/kg).
carrageenan
10 mg/kg, PO
CD
Females
rats
Apremilast
pretreatment
reduced
airpouch TNF-α
levels by 82%,
but neurotphil
infiltration was
unaffetcted.
1270RC35.001 3 days
carrageenan
50 mg/kg
(10mg/mL, IP)
Sprague- Dawley
rats
Males
Apremilast
produced significant
reductions in paw
edema
and
biologically relevant
increases in the 3hour
postdose
threshold for both
mechanical
and
thermal
hyperalgesia
at
high dose.
AP343R
carrageenan
10 mg/kg, PO
CD rats
Females
Apremilast had no
effect
on
paw
edema
following
carrageenan
injection.
1
or
mg/kg,
QD
DBA/1LacJ
Females
5042-107
3.5 hours
LPS
0.01
mg/kg, PO
AP279R,
AP284R,
AP291R
2.5 hours
LPS
AP352R
5 hours
4 hours
1
Collagen-induced Arthritis
WEL 01-027
bovine
14 days
II
(Days
21 type
collagen
to 34)
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
10
PO,
mice
In
the
collagen-induced
arthritis
model,
apremilast inhibited
paw edema by 49%
at 1 mg/kg and
32% at 10 mg/kg.
Page 23/189
AP707R,
AP830R
17 days
bovine
type
II
collagen
and LPS
1, 5, and
25 mg/kg, PO,
QD
DBA/1 LacJ mice
Females
Apremilast
significantly
inhibited the paw
score
arthritis
parameter on day 42
. However, a trend
towards a decrease
in arthritis severity
was observed in
Study
AP830.
Notably, the disease
severity
in
the
AP830 controls was
lower than that in
the AP707 controls.
KIR-P03604
10 days
48 hours
bovine
type II
collagen,
LPS
5 or 25
mg/kg/day, IP
DBA/1Ola-Hsd
mice
Apremilast
was
effective
in
reducing
the
clinical
and
histologic severity
of arthritis in CIA
mice
at
both
doses. Apremilast
did not produce
the
same
behavioural
changes elicited by
the
PDE4
inhibitor,
rolipram
1, 5, and
25
mg/kg,
PO, QD
BALB/c mice
Apremilast,
at
25
mg/kg for
5 days, demonstrated
significant
antiarthritic activity in
the combined mAb
cocktail
and
LPS-induced
experimental arthritis
mouse
model.
Apremilast
treated
mice had minimal
histopathologic
indications
of
arthritis.
The
antiarthritic activity
of apremilast at 25
mg/kg was similar to
dexamethasone at
1 mg/kg.
Collagen Antibody-induced Arthritis
CLG/001/EM;
CLG/001/EMHistology
5 days
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
collagen
mAB and
LPS
Males
Page 24/189
BALB/c mice Males
Apremilast, at 5 and
25 mg/kg for 11
days, demonstrated
significant
antiarthritic activity
in
the
combined
mAb/LPS
arthritis
model.
However,
apremilast-treated
mice had reduced
histopathologic signs
of arthritis, but these
changes were not
statistically
significant.
The
antiarthritic activity
of apremilast at 5 and
25 mg/kg, PO was
similar to that of
etanercept
at
5
mg/kg, IP (8% to
28%
reductions;
Days 5 to 9).
5 mg/kg, PO,
QD
BALB/c mice Males
Apremilast
demonstrated
significant
antiarthritic activity in
the mAb/LPS arthritis
model.
The
histopathologic
assessment did not
validate the arthritis
inhibition
resulting
from
apremilast
treatment due to the
minimal-to-moderate
arthritis disease level
observed in control
animals.
5 mg/kg, PO
divided BID
beige-SCID mice
Apremilast
demonstrated
reductions
(≥ 50%) in both the
epidermal thickness
and
keratinocyte
proliferation
index,
psoriasiform
histological features
and
immunohistochemical
expression
of the inflammatory
markers
TNF-α,
HLA-DR and ICAM-1.
Results
were
comparable
to
positive
controls
(cyclosporine).
CLG/002/EM;
CLG/002/EMHistology
11 days
collagen
mAB and
LPS
5
or
mg/kg,
QD
CLG/003/EM;
CLG003/EMHistology
11 days
collagen
mAb and
LPS
25
PO,
Xenograft-induced psoriasis
TECH1102006
14 days
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
Human
skin
xenograft,
psoriatic
NK cells
Page 25/189
UVB-induced apoptosis
AP2599
Single dose UVB
25 mg/kg PO
5448-74
In vitro
0.1 – 10 µM
UVB
SKH-1 mice
Female
Apremilast displayed
modest increases in
cell
cytotoxicity
resulting in a loss of
cell
viability.
Apremilast had no
significant effect on
UVB-induced
cytotoxicity, but 10
μM
apremilast
significantly reduced
the apoptotic effects
of UVB radiation by ≈
18% in HEKn cells,
and TNF-α release.
Apremilast
significantly inhibited
MEK
cytotoxicity
induced by UVB
radiation by 20% and
23% at 0.1 and 10
μM, respectively.
T and B Cell Adaptive Transfer Model
MDCG5
14 days
T/B cell
5 mg/kg
Apremilast
significantly
decreased
the
number
of
TUNEL-positive cells
measured 24 hours
post
UV
exposure,
indicating
anti-apoptotic activity
IgHb Mice
Apremilast did not
have any significant
effects upon the T cell
activation
markers
CD69 and CD25, or
alter CD86, CD40, or
MHC
II
cells.
Apremilast prevented
the down regulation
of CD62L on activated
T cells amd CD80
expression on B cells.
No effects on T cell
proliferation
or
OVA-specific
immunoglobulin (Ig)
G1, IgG2a or IgMa
production.
CIA = collagen-induced arthritis; ED50 = median effective dose; IP = intraperitoneal; LPS = lipopolysaccharide; mAb = monoclonal
antibody; PO = oral; QD =daily; TNF-α = tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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Secondary pharmacodynamic studies
Apremilast (10 μM) was profiled for binding to 68 cell surface receptors and for inhibition of 17 enzymes
(Report 8611). The results demonstrated that apremilast had no significant activity against any of the
receptors or enzymes, except for 95% inhibition of PDE4, and 52% enhanced agonist binding of the
L-type (verapamil) calcium channel receptor. However, results from a subsequent study (Report
CC-10004-ET-151) confirmed that the 52% inhibition of the L-type (verapamil) calcium channel observed
at 10 μM apremilast was a false positive hit. Kinase inhibition profiling of apremilast (10 μM) using
Invitrogen's SelectScreen® Profiling Service demonstrated that the compound did not significantly inhibit
any of the 255 kinases tested (Report SSBK8217-23649).
Assessment of Apremilast Binding to Human Cereblon
Human cereblon binding was investigated due to structural similarities between apremilast and
thalidomide, namely the phthalimide moiety. The aminoglutarimide moiety which is responsible for
thalidomide binding to cereblon is substituted for a di-alkoxyphenyl in apremilast. As cereblon binding is
considered responsible for teratogenic effects associated with thalidomide, the comparative binding of
apremilast to cereblon was investigated in competition studies of CRBN binding to thalidomide-analog
affinity beads. Endogenous CRBN in human U266 MM cell extracts was incubated with varying
concentrations of either apremilast, CC-5013 (lenalidomide, a thalidomide analog with an
aminoglutarimide moiety) as a positive control for CRBN binding to the aminoglutarimide moiety, or
dimethyl sulfoxide (1%) as the control vehicle. Apremilast at concentrations up to 100 μM did not
compete for CRBN binding. In contrast, the positive control agent lenalidomide, successfully competed for
CRBN binding with an IC50 value of approximately 3 μM.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics in the Rat and Ferret
Han Wistar rats were administered a single oral or intravenous dose of apremilast (1 mg/kg) and seven
oral doses (10 mg/kg). The apremilast brain/plasma concentration ratio was ≤0.1, likely the result of
apremilast being a P-glycoprotein substrate. Fasted ferrets received a single oral dose of apremilast (0.1
- 30 mg/kg). Ferrets were exposed to apremilast, with a plasma half-life of 3.8 hours. Apremilast
concentrations (1-hour) were highest in ferret lung, followed by plasma, and finally brain, with
brain/plasma ratios ranging from 0.11 to 0.15, similar to those of rats, and lung/plasma ratios from 1.4
to 3.5. A known pharmacological effect of PDE4 inhibitors is emesis (Robichaud, 1999). However, no
emetic episodes were noted in ferrets dosed up to 3 mg/kg, and retching but no emesis in the 10-mg/kg
dose group. The lack of emetic effects on ferrets is likely due to the poor penetration of apremilast across
the blood/brain barrier. Additionally, apremilast inhibited pulmonary inflammation in the ferret as a result
of higher apremilast concentrations in lung tissue.
Effect of Apremilast on Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma B Cell Line
When non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (Farage) cells were incubated with apremilast (0-100 µM) for 1 hour
prior to the 6 hour 3H-thymidine assay, weak antiproliferative activity was observed (approximately 20%
inhibition of proliferation at 100 µM).
In vivo Animal Models and Supporting Studies
Table 3: In vivo animal models and supporting studies
Report
Number
Treatme
nt
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
Stimulu
s
Dose/
Route
of
Study
Type
Major Findings
Page 27/189
Duration
Effects in Colitis Model
Epistem
06-218c/
07-163
4 days
TNBS
Administr
ation
Species/
Sex
0.25 – 2.5
mg/kg BID
PO
BDF1
mice
Male
Effects in Lung Models of Inflammation and Asthma
AP576,
AP600,
AP1025
4
hours
postLPS
injection
LPS
(100 μg/
mL)
0.1,0.3, 1,
3
mg/kg,
PO, 1 hour
before LPS
Rat/CD
Females
0.003-0.1
mg/kg, IT,
30
mins
before LPS
121401
6
hours
post-LPS
exposure
LPS
(100
µg/mL)
0.1.
30
mg/kg, PO,
0.5 hours
before LPS
exposure
Ferret
Males
AP998R,
AP1036R
5 days
OVA
1-25
mg/kg,
PO, 1 hour
prior to LPS
on Day 17
Mice/BAL
B/c
Males
9 days
DLXJ1000
DuncanHartley
guinea
pigs
Males
1016668
< 1 hr
0.0001 – 1 Ex vivo,
μM
tissue
(incubation bath
of
guinea
)
pig,
trachea
Effects in Gout-like Inflammation and Peritonitis
MD-2-2-0
05-1168/
9
4 days
10 mg/kg,
PO, 1 hour
prior to LPS
on Day 17
8 hours
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
OVA
MSU
crystals
3 and 30
mg/kg, PO,
QD
2.5-12.5
mg/kg PO
BALB/c
mice
Weight loss was reduced in a dose-dep
manner, diarrhea was reduced, mucosal
damage reduced at 2.5 mg/kg.
Apremilast had a positive trophic effect
on crypt size.
0.25 mg/kg reduced myeloperoxidase
activity.
No effect on transcript levels of the
TNF-α gene.
Further gene expr analysis found no
relationship
between
IFN-γ,Cxcl-9
Cxcl-10 and disease severity.
Apremilast inhibited lung neutrophilia
after LPS stimulation with an ED50 of
approximately 0.25 mg/kg.
Apremilast administered intratracheally
inhibited lung neutrophilia with an ED50
close to 0.003 mg/kg, which was
~100-fold more potent than oral
administration.
The apremilast threshold emetic dose
was found to be 10 mg/kg, with an
average of 0.5 emetic events (retches
only) per ferret. The apremilast lung
neutrophilia ED50 was . 0.8 mg/kg, thus
yielding a therapeutic index of 12.
Apremilast inhibited AHR by 59% at 1
mg/kg and by 91% at 25 mg/kg.
Apremilast inhibited AHR by more than
96% at 24 and 48 hours, and by 83% at
72 hours post-OVA (Day 22) challenge.
In addition, apremilast reduced lung
levels of macrophages, neutrophils,
lymphocytes,
eosinophils, IL-4, RANTES, and eotaxin,
and reduced plasma IgE levels.
Apremilast (3 mg/kg) pretreatment
nonsignificantly reduced OVA-induced
bronchospasms and 30 mg/kg had no
effect.
Apremilast produced a
significant relaxation of
guinea pig trachea under
spontaneous tone contraction,
with an EC50 = 310 nM
No anti-inflammatory effects
No reduction in gout-like peritonitis
Trend towards TNF-α and MIP-1α
reduction
Page 28/189
Effect of Apremilast in Cellular Models of Cutaneous Lupus
3252-910
18 hours
TLR9
agonist
CpG-A
0.5-5 µM
In
vitro
HPBMCs
Significant inhibition of CXCL9, CXCL10,
and CXCL11 gene expression
pDC/HEK
Inhibition of IFN-α and TNF-α protein
a
production, HEKa intracellular MxA
coculture
protein expression
s
Effect of Apremilast in Amyloid Lateral Sclerosis Model
DRXL-001
-CC-1000
4
~130
days
-
4-8
mg/kg/day
B6S
JLTgN(SOD
1-G93A)d
l 1 Gur
mice
High dose delayed onset of ALS clinical
symptoms, non-sig increased survival.
Plasma concentrations of apremilast in
fed mice were higher in females than in
males. There was a small correlation
between survival and plasma apremilast
concentration
Effect of Apremilast in Bennett Model of Neuropathic Pain
Report
S07059
Post-surg
ery
d12-15
CCI
ligation
3
mg/kg,
PO
DR rats
Pain was not reduced on Day 12 or Day
15
Safety pharmacology programme
The core battery of safety pharmacology studies were performed in line with ICH 7A, with an integrated
cardiovascular and respiratory safety study in dogs. A gastrointestinal motility study was also performed
in mice. The studies performed are outline in table 4 below.
Table 4: Summary of safety pharmacology studies
Organ Systems Species/Strai Method of Dose
n
Evaluated
Admin.
Duration
GLP
Study/Report
Number
Central Nervous Mouse/CD-1
System
Oral
gavag
e
Yes
1398/443
Cardiovascula
r
and
Respiratory
Dog/Beagle
(anesthetized)
Cardiovascul
ar hERG
Human
embryonic
kidney cells
(HEK-293)
Mouse/CD-1
Intravenou 0, 0.5, 1, or 5 Yes
s
mg/kg,
three
ascending doses at
least 30 minutes
In vitro
0, 16.8, 49.7, 87.5, Yes
or 249.7 uM, ≈3
minutes
Gastrointestin
al tract
Oral
gavag
e
0, 500, 1000, or
2000
mg/kg,
single dose
0, 10, 100, or
1000 mg/kg,
30 minutes
Yes
1398/264-D6146
031206.DFN
CC-10004-TOX1171
Mouse Central Nervous System and Behavioral Studies Using the Irwin Screen
A GLP-compliant Irwin study was performed in Crl:CD-1(ICR)BR mice to assess apremilast CNS safety
following oral gavage administration of 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg (Report 1398/443). Observations
were performed up to 300 minutes post dose and general observations continued up to 7 days. At 1000
mg/kg, apremilast produced signs of lacrimation and ptosis, which were slight in severity and of short
duration, generally appearing 60 minutes post-dose and were gone by the 300 minutes timepoint. At
2000 mg/kg clinical signs included apathy, lacrimation, and ptosis, occurring within the same time-frame
as those effects seen at 1000 mg/kg, but persisting in one animal at 300 minutes post-dose. One animal
in the 2000 mg/kg group died on day 2. Piloerection was seen in one animal at day 2. Toxicokinetic
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
Page 29/189
parameters were not measured but are extrapolated from a previous study in Crl:CD-1(ICR)BR mice. At
500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, Cmax values of 8650; 9184; and 11,940 ng/mL, respectively. The
corresponding area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) values were 112,640; 117,290;
and 158,315 ng·h/mL. The NOEL level of 500 mg/kg provides 12.9 and 15.4 fold safety margin based on
C max and AUC respectively, from the 30 mg BID clinical apremilast dose.
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Effects in Anesthetized Dogs
Cardiovascular and respiratory safety was determined in a GLP study in anesthetized dogs following
intravenous administration of apremilast in ascending doses from 0.5 – 5 mg/kg (Report
1398/264-D6146). 0.5 mg/kg elicited a small (9%) increase in left ventricular maximum rate of change
(dP/dtmax) 2 min after dosing. This increase was sustained until administration of the next dose, and was
significantly different from the vehicle treated group. This effect was not considered adverse. No other
effects in cardiovascular parameters were apparent at this dose. At 1.0 mg/kg heart rate was significantly
increased by 28% from 2 min after dosing and returned to baseline at 30 mins, and was reflected in
decreased RR and QT intervals. Corrected QTc was not affected. dP/dtmax was also significantly
increased by 29%, which also returned to baseline before subsequent doses. 5 mg/kg elicited further
increases in heart rate of 82% from baseline and dP/dtmax to 74% from baseline 45 min post-dose. The
tachycardia also resulted in corresponding decreases in the RR and QT intervals. QTc was not noticeably
affected. These effects were statistically significant, and returned to baseline within 45 minutes. There
was a small transient increase in mean arterial blood pressure that was not significant.
There were no noticeable differences in the rate and depth (tidal volume) of respiration between the
vehicle and test article treated groups at any dose level. However, apremilast elicited an apparent dose
related increase in Peak Inspiratory Flow (from a baseline of 248 mL/s to 429 mL/s 90 min post-dose 3)
and Peak Expiratory Flow (from a baseline of 330 mL/s to 461 mL/s 120 min postdose 3) throughout the
duration of the study. Statistical analyses suggest that the increase in peak inspiratory flow was
significantly different (10 and 60 min post-dose 3) from the vehicle treated group.
Mean Cmax values (male and female combined) at 2 minutes after the end of infusions were 662, 1277,
and 5074 ng/mL at dosages of 0.5, 1, and 5 mg/kg, respectively. The no-observed-adverse-effect-level
(NOAEL) was 0.5 mg/kg (mean Cmax value is 1-fold clinical Cmax of 670 ng/mL). There was no
treatment-related effect on QTc interval up to and including the highest dose of 5 mg/kg, which provides
a 7.6-fold safety margin from the clinical Cmax.
Measurement of Ionic Currents in Cloned hERG Genes Expressed in Mammalian Cells
Potential for effects on QTc parameters was investigated in a GLP in vitro hERG assay in voltage-clamped
human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells (Report 031206.DFN). Apremilast inhibited hERG current by
(mean ± SEM) 6.3 ± 0.9% (n = 4) at 16.8 μM, 19.3 ± 1.4% (n = 3) at 49.7 μM, 28.5 ± 0.6% (n = 3) at
87.5 μM, and 59.0 ± 1.7% (n = 4) at 249.7 μM; vehicle control reduced hERG current by 1.6 ± 0.3% (n
= 3). The IC50 for the inhibitory effect of apremilast on hERG current was estimated to be 184.2 μM (84.8
μg/mL); (Hill coefficient = 1.1); this represents a margin of 127-fold over the Cmax in psoriasis patients
at the maximum recommended therapeutic dose of 30 mg BID.
Effects on Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice
A GLP-compliant study in mice was performed to determine the effects of oral apremilast on
gastrointestinal motility in male CD-1 mice (Report CC-10004-TOX-1171). Animals were given 10, 100,
and 1000 mg/kg. Approximately 30 minutes after vehicle or dose administration, all animals were given
a charcoal suspension. Animals were euthanized by decapitation 30 minutes (± 3 minutes) following
charcoal administration and the intestinal tract was quickly excised. The distance traveled by the charcoal
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
Page 30/189
suspension was measured along with the total length of the small intestine to determine the effects of
CC-10004 on gastrointestinal motility. A single oral (gavage) administration of CC-10004 to male
Crl:CD-1 mice did not affect the percent distance traveled of the charcoal suspension or normalized
percent inhibition of travel at 10, 100, or 1000 mg/kg. Based upon the lack of effect on gastrointestinal
motility in this study, the No-Observed-Effect Level (NOEL) was 1000 mg/kg, the highest dose
administered. Toxicokinetic parameters were not measured.
Pharmacodynamic drug interactions
Prostaglandin E2 binds to prostanoid receptors on monocytes, T cells and other leukocytes, elevating
intracellular cAMP levels resulting in inhibition of cellular responses. The combination of PGE2 and
apremilast dose-dependently and synergistically elevated cAMP levels in HPBMCs and neutrophils
demonstrating enhanced PGE2-mediated elevation of cAMP in both HPBMCs and neutrophils. Apremilast
was also found to inhibit GM-CSF production by normal human lung fibroblasts in a screen of 23 PDE4
inhibitors. Apremilast in combination with forskolin inhibited TNF-α mediated GM-CSF production with an
IC 50 of 0.12 µM.
A study examining the effects of apremilast alone and in combination with PGE2 on TNF-α-induced
E-selectin and other adhesion molecules expressed in HUVECs demonstrated that the apremilast/PGE2
combination significantly inhibited TNF-α induced E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1
(VCAM-1). However even under TNF-α stimulated condition which serves to boost marker expression, the
overall change in adhesion marker cell surface expression remains modest, and was generally similar to
PGE2 alone. However, in the presence of PGE2, E-selectin, and VCAM-1 inhibition may be a potential
apremilast mechanism of action as an antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory agent.
In a study of apremilast in combination with indomethacin or methotrexate, apremilast was evaluated in
the collagen-induced arthritis DBA/1 mouse model. Overall in this study, apremilast did not cause any
antiarthritic effect when administered alone, despite the fact that some reductions in paw scores and
measurements were noted. In a further mechanistic study, apremilast did not increase the percentage of
IL-17 producing cells present in inguinal lymph nodes, but did increase IFNγ and IL-6 levels.
The effects of combining apremilast with cyclosporine A (CsA), etanercept (ETC) or methotrexate (MTX)
for the inhibition of cytokines associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriasis (Pso) was assessed
in human anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb)-stimulated T cells and staphylococcal enterotoxin B
(SEB)-treated PBMCs. In the stimulated T cells derived from a donor with high cytokine levels, the
combination effect of apremilast with CsA synergistically inhibited IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-13, IP-10, MIP-1α,
MIP-1β, and TNF-α production at a minimum of one of the tested concentrations. IL-4 was increased with
the apremilast /CsA combination, whereas Il-2 production was decreased. The apremilast/ETC
combination synergistically inhibited IFN-γ, IL-13, IP-10, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and TNF-α production at a
minimum of one of the tested concentrations and non-additively inhibited IL-2 and IL-4 production.
In the human NK cell-driven model of psoriasis utilizing human skin xenotransplanted onto
immunodeficient mice, the combination of 1 mg/kg MTX with apremilast (5 mg/kg; PO divided into two
daily doses of 2.5 mg/kg) exhibited a modest therapeutic effect in 2 of 5 mice. Recovery was improved in
animals receiving 2 or 3 mg/kg MTX alone, however adverse effects were seen at the highest dose leading
to death, whereas this was not seen in combination. Immunohistochemical staining for TNF-α also
showed less TNF-α expression in combination treated tissue than control, and a similar level to tissue
from mid/high dose MTX.
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
Page 31/189
2.3.3. Pharmacokinetics
The absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion characteristics of apremilast (S enantiomer) have
been investigated in vitro and in vivo in the animal models used for toxicity testing. In vitro studies have
been performed to assess the potential for drug-drug interactions. No evidence of interconversion
between apremilast and its R-enantiomer was observed in vivo. Appropriate achiral and chiral analytical
methods were developed and suitably validated to quantify apremilast (S enantiomer), its R enantiomer
(CC-10007), and its metabolites in plasma of animal models used in pre-clinical pharmacokinetic and
toxicity studies.
Absorption
Pharmacokinetics, absorption and oral bioavailability of apremilast or [14C]-apremilast-derived
radioactivity was evaluated in mice, rats, rabbits and monkeys.
Mouse
Following IV dosing plasma concentrations of apremilast declined steadily, falling below the limit of
quantification by 12 h and 24 h in males and females respectively. AUC and T 1/2 values indicate total
radioactivity persisted, indicating persistent metabolism. Radioactivity was cleared more slowly in
females. Following oral dosing at 500 mg/kg, apremilast was still quantifiable at 48 h with a longer t 1/2
compared to iv doses. Concentrations of radioactivity were significantly higher than those of apremilast at
each time point, consistent with the presence of metabolites. No significant sex-related differences were
observed. Oral bioavailability ranged from approximately 20% to 33% for apremilast and for
radioactivity. For both dose routes, concentrations of radioactivity in blood were consistently lower than
those in plasma at the same time point, indicating that there was no specific association of apremilast or
its metabolites with blood cells.
In a bile-duct cannulated male mouse study following a single 10 mg/kg oral dose of [14C]-apremilast,
54% and 16% of the radioactive dose was excreted via the biliary and urinary routes, suggesting that at
least 70% of the radioactive dose was absorbed in mice, indicating apremilast is subject to moderate first
pass metabolism. Toxicokinetic evaluation in mice suggests exposure increases dose-proportionally and
less than dose-proportionally at doses over 100 mg/kg/day. The studies do not indicate sex-related
differences or inversion of apremilast to its R enantiomer in mice.
Rat
Following IV dosing, plasma concentrations declined steadily in both males and females, but
concentrations were below the limit of quantification by 8 h after dosing in males animals but still detected
at 24 h in females. Sex differences in exposure were also reflected in the lower AUC and shorter t 1/2
values in males compared with females, and systemic clearance was high in males and low in females.
Following oral dosing at 50 mg/kg in males and 10 mg/kg in females, exposure was 6-fold greater in
females. AUC values indicated oral bioavailability of 11.5% and 64.8% in males and females respectively.
Similar sex differences in exposure were observed following IV or oral administration of CC-7085
(racemate) or CC-10007 (R enantiomer) as compared to following administration of apremilast.
In a second oral study, concentrations of both total radioactivity (e.g., parent compound plus any
metabolites) and of parent compound in plasma were greater in females than in males. In males, the total
radioactivity AUC values were 25 to 96 times greater than those for parent compound, whereas in females
the difference was only 2- to 3-fold, suggesting that metabolism was more extensive in male than in
female rats. In the same study following six daily doses, accumulation was indicated by C max and AUC
values in females, but not in males.
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
Page 32/189
In a study of the effect particle size in fasted, apremilast AUC and C max , as well as other pharmacokinetic
parameters, were similar in rats dosed with micronized and milled drug substance indicating particle size
does not affect the pharmacokinetics of apremilast in male rats. Measurement of apremilast’s R
enantiomer indicated no chiral inversion occurs in rats.
Rabbit
In female New Zealand White rabbits following a single 1000 mg/kg oral dose, apremilast was rapidly
absorbed. In pregnant female New Zealand White rabbits infused 10 mg/kg apremilast, following
termination of infusion apremilast concentrations declined rapidly with a mean half-life of 1.2 h. The mean
plasma clearance was high (2039 mL/h/kg), which is greater than 50% of the hepatic blood flow in
rabbits. The volume of distribution was moderate (1843 mL/kg) and was approximately 2.5 times the
total body water volume. Following a 250 mg/kg oral dose exposure was negligible, with a mean Cmax of
2.62 ng/m and an absolute oral bioavailability of less than 0.02%. The AUC ratio of CC-10007 to
apremilast was approximately 0.02, which is similar to the level in the administered dose.
In a third study, 12 non-mated female New Zealand White rabbits were administered either 250
mg/kg/day apremilast via stomach tube, 25 mg/kg/day apremilast via a 2-h IV infusion, 25 mg/kg/day
apremilast via subcutaneous injection, or vehicle via a 2-h intravenous infusion for three days. Following
IV administration to apremilast had a high clearance (> 3000 mL/h/kg) and large volume of distribution
(> 3 L/kg). Exposure was minimal following oral dosing, with bioavailability less than 0.1%, compared to
over 95% with subcutaneous dosing. The low exposure following oral dosing is consistent with in rabbit
studies.
Monkey
Cynomolgus monkeys were administered a single IV dose of 1 mg/kg, followed by a washout and further
oral dose of 10 mg/kg. Following IV dosing, concentrations of apremilast in plasma were significantly
lower than those of total radioactivity at 5 and 10 min after dosing and had fallen below the lower limit of
quantification (i.e., 75.0 ng/mL) within 30 min of dosing. Apremilast concentration data were insufficient
to carry out pharmacokinetic analysis. The higher concentration of total radioactivity compared to
apremilast and the much shorter half life of unchanged drug are consistent with extensive metabolism.
Blood plasma concentration ratios for total radioactivity were generally in the region of 0.6:1 and did not
change with time. This indicates that drug-related material moderately penetrated the blood cells.
Following oral administration, bioavailability was estimated at 80% based on radioactivity, as IV
apremilast exposure could not be quantified. Absorption appeared to be rapid, with T max reached within 1
hour. There were no notable sex-related differences in the pharmacokinetics of apremilast in monkeys.
Distribution
Tissue distribution in mice following oral and IV administration of [14C]-apremilast and plasma protein
binding of apremilast were evaluated. Placental transfer of apremilast was evaluated in mice and the
lacteal excretion in mice and monkeys.
Tissue Distribution
The tissue distribution of [14C]-apremilast-derived radioactivity in the male and female albino mice
(CD-1 strain) and the male pigmented mouse (B6C3F1 strain) has been investigated. For tissue
distribution, each animal received a single oral (gavage) dose, at nominal dose level of 500 mg/kg. The
tissue distribution of the parent-derived radioactivity was evaluated by quantitative whole-body
autoradiography at up to 168 hours post-dose.
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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Initial distribution was highest in the gastrointestinal mucosa, liver, kidney, and pancreas, with lower
levels in the secretory glands and reproductive tissue in both males and females. Radioactivity was
detected in the CNS in both males and females for up to 24 hours. In albino mice, by 72 h after dosing,
levels had fallen below the lower limit of quantification (0.71 μg eq/g) except for the liver and, in males
only, the kidney (cortex and medulla), skin, uveal tract, nasal mucosa, and gastrointestinal mucosa.
Subjective assessment of the levels of radioactivity was made for those tissues where full quantification
was not possible. Radioactivity was detected in the kidney pyramid up to 24 h after dosing and in the
urinary bladder contents, gall bladder, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract contents up to 72 h.
Radioactivity was not detected in any tissues at 168 h after dosing or later. In pigmented mice, levels of
radioactivity were elevated in the uveal tracts of the eyes compared to albino mice at 1 and 3 days
post-dose. Low levels of radioactivity were observed in most tissues 3 days after dosing but levels were
below the lower limit of quantification by 7 days post dose.
Quantitative whole-body autoradiography demonstrated that the absorbed radioactivity was rapidly
distributed into the tissues, although the concentrations measured were generally low. The highest levels
of radioactivity were generally associated with the principal organs of biotransformation and excretion
(e.g., the liver and kidney) and the pancreas. Significant levels of radioactivity were also present in the
gall bladder up to 72 h after dosing, providing further evidence of biliary elimination. The concentrations
measured in the central nervous system were consistently low, indicating that penetration of the
blood/brain barrier was poor. The pattern of tissue distribution observed in male and female albino mice
was generally similar at comparable sampling times. There was no significant association of radioactivity
with melanin-containing tissues (e.g., uveal tract and pigmented skin) in pigmented male animals.
In vitro Plasma Protein Binding
Protein binding of apremilast was determined in vitro in plasma of mouse, rat, rabbit and monkey, human
healthy volunteers and human plasma ultrafiltration. Protein binding of apremilast was conducted in
triplicate at concentrations of 0.25, 0.75, and 2.5 μg/mL at room temperature, and analyzed using
LC-MS/MS assay. The overall mean apremilast percent bound was 88.6 ± 2.3% in mouse plasma, 90.6 ±
0.9% in rat plasma, 80.9 ± 1.2% in rabbit plasma, 84.3 ± 1.5% in monkey plasma, and 68.3 ± 0.9% in
human plasma in the tested concentration range of 0.25 to 2.5 μg/mL. Overall, apremilast was
moderately protein-bound in plasma of animals and human, and the binding was
concentration-independent in the tested concentration range of 0.25 to 2.5 μg/mL. Plasma protein
binding was lower in humans compared to animals.
Placental Transfer
As part of fertility and developmental toxicity study in female CD-1 mice and an embryo-fetal
development study in cynomolgus monkeys, the transport of apremilast across the placenta was
assessed. In mice, following daily oral administration of apremilast beginning 15 days prior to
cohabitation and continuing through Day 15 of presumed gestation at doses of 10, 20, 40, and 80
mg/kg/day, blood was collected from pregnant mice (n = 3/time point) at 0.5, 2, 4, 8, and 24 h postdose
on gestation Day 15. Blood was collected from fetuses) at the time of sacrifice in the 24 h postdose mice.
Maternal plasma apremilast concentrations increased in a less than dose proportional manner. The fetal
plasma concentrations at 24 h were highly variable, with six of the ten litters evaluated being below the
limit of quantification (1 ng/mL). In fetal plasma from four of the ten litters evaluated, apremilast was
quantified, with concentrations ranging from 14.5 to 2813 ng/mL. The mean fetal-to-maternal plasma
concentration ratios ranged from 0.3 to 1.07, indicating apremilast crossed the placenta in mice.
In monkeys, pregnant animals were administered daily oral doses of apremilast beginning on gestation
day 20 through gestation day 50, and a single oral dose on gestation day 100 at dosages of 20, 50, 200,
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
Page 34/189
and 1000 mg/kg/day (n = 16/group at the beginning of the study). Maternal and fetal blood was collected
at 5 h postdose on gestation Day 100. In all dosage groups, the fetal-to-maternal plasma concentration
ratios were between 0.3 and 0.4, indicating apremilast crossed the placenta in monkeys.
Lacteal Excretion
The lacteal excretion of apremilast was evaluated following oral administration of apremilast to lactating
CD-1 mice. In this study, female mice approximately 13 days postpartum received a single oral dose of
apremilast at 10 mg/kg, administered by oral gavage in a volume of 10 mL/kg. Milk and blood samples
from 5 animals per time point were obtained at 1, 6, and 24 h postdose and apremilast concentrations
determined in plasma and milk using LC-MS/MS analysis. The mean apremilast plasma concentrations at
1 and 6 h postdose were 984 and 138 ng/mL, while concentrations in milk were 1441 and 186 ng/mL,
respectively. The resulting mean milk-to-plasma ratios ranged from 1.46 to 1.62, indicating transfer of
apremilast into milk in mice. Plasma and milk concentrations were below the detection limit of 3 ng/mL in
the 24-h samples.
Metabolism
In vitro and in vivo metabolism of apremilast was investigated in mice, rats, female rabbits, monkeys and
humans.
Metabolism by Liver Microsomes
This study was conducted to identify the in vitro metabolic pathways of [14C]-apremilast in male and
female mouse, rat, rabbit, dog, monkey and human liver microsomes.
At 10 µM [14C]-apremilast the apparent rank order of extent of apremilast metabolism was rabbit >>
monkey > mouse = male rat > human > dog > female rat. No sex differences were observed in any
species except rat. The major metabolite of both apremilast and CC-10007 in human liver microsomes
was M3 (10% of radioactivity). M7 (1.8%) was identified in the absence of β-NADPH suggesting no
CYP450 involvement.
The major metabolite, M3, observed in all test incubations, with the notable exception of female rat, was
identified as the O-desmethyl metabolite. A sex difference in metabolism was therefore apparent in rat.
M3 was the only CYP-dependent metabolite observed in dog, human, and male rat. An additional
metabolite, M5, was observed in mouse and monkey, which co-chromatographed with the O-desethyl
metabolite reference standard CC-10047. A number of other minor metabolites, M4, M8, M9, and M10,
were observed in rabbit, in addition to M7.
The N-deacetylated product (M7) was formed to a minor extent in the absence of NADPH in mouse, dog
and human liver microsomal incubations, and to a greater extent in the presence of rabbit liver
microsomes. It appears that this non-CYP mediated hydrolysis of the amide bond is favourably catalyzed
by rabbit liver microsomes compared to other species.
Metabolism by Hepatocytes
In vitro metabolism of [14C]-apremilast was investigated in mouse, rat, rabbit, dog, monkey and human
hepatocytes.
[14C]-apremilast was not stable in the incubation media. After 4-hr incubation without hepatocytes, only
69.0-73.2% of [14C]-CC-10004 remained unchanged. Significant hydrolysis products M1/M2 and M18
were observed, accounting for 13.3-13.9% and 11.6-13.0%, respectively. In addition, multiple minor
radioactivity peaks were also present in the negative control samples, accounting for 1.9-4.1%.
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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[14C]-apremilast was metabolized extensively by rabbit hepatocytes, moderately by rat hepatocytes, and
to a limited extent by hepatocytes from the mouse, dog, monkey, and human. Unchanged
[14C]-apremilast and 12 metabolite peaks (M1/M2, M3, M4, M7, M11, M12, M14, M15, M16, M17, M18,
and M23) were characterized and/or identified by LC-MS/MS, production scan, and/or MS/MS in the MRM
mode. M1/M2 and M18 showed a similar or lower percent of the total radioactivity in all hepatocyte
incubations compared to the negative control sample. A high concentration of M14 was observed in rabbit
hepatocyte incubations, accounting for 25.4% to 29.7% of the total radioactivity. A much lower amount
of M14 was observed, ranging from 0.8% to 2.6% of the total radioactivity in the hepatocyte incubations
of the other five species. M3, M7, and M12 were observed in the hepatocyte incubations of all species. The
other minor metabolites showing detectable radioactivity were M4 (in mouse, rat, and rabbit hepatocyte
incubations), M15 (in rat, rabbit and monkey hepatocyte incubations), M16 (in mouse, rat, and human
hepatocyte incubations), and M17 (in mouse, rat, and human hepatocyte incubations). Some metabolites
were present at very low levels and were detectable by only LC/MS. Overall, all the metabolites formed in
vitro by human hepatocytes were formed by hepatocytes from one or more animal species.
In Vitro Juvenile Metabolism in Mice and Humans
[14C]-Apremilast was hydrolyzed in control incubations without microsomes or hepatocytes to produce
M1 and M2 (hydrolysis products), as well as M18 (3-acetamide-phthalic acid). Metabolites identified in
human microsomes and hepatocytes included M3, M7, M11, M12, M13, M14, M15 and M17. There were no
notable qualitative differences between the metabolite profiles in the adult human liver microsomes
(pooled mixed gender) versus the juvenile male and juvenile female liver microsomes. Similarly, for
human cryopreserved hepatocytes, there were no notable differences observed between the adult
(pooled mixed gender) versus juvenile male and female hepatocytes. In adult and juvenile mouse liver
microsomes there were no notable differences between the profiles generated, except for M7, which was
formed by adult to a very minor extent.
In Vivo Metabolism
In vivo metabolism was evaluated in mice, rats and monkeys and to a limited extent in female rabbits.
Mouse
In mice following oral dosing, metabolite profiles were qualitatively similar in plasma, urine and faeces. In
plasma at the early time points, apremilast was the largest peak (except in females after oral dosing). At
the later time points, the proportion of radioactivity associated with parent compound decreased, with a
corresponding increase in that associated with metabolites. Hydrolysis products M1 and M2 were the
major components of plasma radioactivity. Metabolite M15 metabolite was also present at significant
amounts. Parent drug was higher in faeces following oral doses than IV doses. In orally dosed
males/females excreted dose was accounted for by 5.6%/7.2% of M1/M2, 8.4%/6.2% of M3,
14.4%/12.6% of M9, 0.9%/0.5% of M12, 5.3%/5.2% of M19 and 2.2%/7.0% of M22.
In bile duct cannulated mice following 10 mg/kg oral or 5/10 mg/kg IV doses unchanged apremilast and
M12 were the major plasma components as well as M13, M14 and trace metabolites. Bile was the major
excretion route with 53.9% and 59.1% of dose recovered from oral and IV groups at 48 h. The major
biliary metabolites were M12 and M13, accounting for approximately 30% and 10% of the dose,
respectively. An average of 15.1% and 17.8% of dose was recovered in urine with M12 and M13 the most
abundant. An average of 15.6% and 10.5% of the dose was recovered in faecal samples at 48 h with
parent drug and M3 present at the highest levels. The study indicates apremilast absorbed following an
oral dose is extensively metabolized prior to elimination and primarily excreted via the biliary route.
Rat
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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Following oral administration of 10 mg/kg [14C]-apremilast, little or no apremilast was observed in male
rats. The principle metabolite in male rats was not identified, and M12 was a major plasma component,
which were both also present in females as well as M1/M2 which was predominant. In urine the profiles
were similar in both sexes. The principle metabolite was M12. The principle metabolite in faeces was M3
in both sexes, although present at higher levels in males. Other notable metabolites in rat excreta include
M5, M7, M8, and M9, representing 0.36% to 8.59% of the radioactive dose.
Rabbit
Following oral doses of 1000 mg/kg, the plasma levels of apremilast was below the limit of detection. No
metabolites were detected. One animal’s plasma gave mass spectra consistent with a glucuronic acid
conjugate of O-desmethyl-apremilast.
Monkey
Apremilast was the predominant component of the circulating radioactivity at the early time point but
decreased with time, while metabolites were the major components at 24 h postdose. The metabolites
observed in plasma include M1, M2, and M12, in addition to two polar metabolites (MkP2 and MkP3),
which could not be identified due to interference from high levels of endogenous material. Two other
minor metabolites were identified as the two isomers of M15 (O-desmethyl hydrolyzed apremilast
glucuronide). Little or no apremilast was excreted in urine. The major urinary metabolite was M12. Only
low levels of unchanged apremilast were present in faeces, even after oral dosing. The principle
metabolites in faeces were M3 and two isomers of M9. Minor metabolites were identified as M19 and M10.
Excretion
The rates and routes of excretion of radioactivity after IV and/or oral administration of [14C]-apremilast
was evaluated in mouse with and without bile duct cannulation, rats and monkeys. The recovery data are
summarised in table 5 below.
Table 5: Excretion of radioactivity following a single dose of [14C]-Apremilast
Species
N
Dose
Route
Sex
Urine
Faeces
Bile
Recovery
Time
(%
(%
(%
(%
(h)
dose)
dose)
dose)
dose)
M
7.8
66.2
F
8.7
71.3
M
4.1
71.5
F
3.0
73.1
(mg/kg)
10
Mouse
10
500
500
IV
IV
PO
PO
90.6
NC
91.1
97.7
92.8
Mouse
5
IV
M
17.8
10.5
59.1
90.2
(BDC)
10
PO
M
15.1
15.6
53.9
91.0
10
PO
8.5
33.4
10
PO
F
12.1
44.5
10
PO
M
15.7
57.9
10
PO
29.6
28.2
Rat
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
M
F
48
48
45.4
NC
60.8
74.5
24
52.6
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Monkey
Human
1
IV
M
1
PO
F
10
IV
M
10
PO
F
20
PO
M
15.7
56.6
16.2
56.0
17.2
69.3
20.3
68.2
57.9
39.2
79.6
NC
81.1
93.5
168
95.8
NC
97.1
Pharmacokinetic drug interactions
In vitro studies have been conducted to examine the role of CYP isozymes in the oxidative metabolism of
apremilast. The potential inhibitory and inductive effects of apremilast on CYP activities in vitro were also
evaluated. Apremilast was also evaluated in vitro as a potential inhibitor of P-glycoprotein, BCRP, OAT1,
OAT3, OCT2, OATP1B1 and OATP1B3. Additionally apremilast was evaluated as a potential inhibitor of
MRP1, MRP2, MRP3, MRP4 and MRP8 in vitro.
Cytochrome P450 Reaction Phenotyping
In human liver microsomes, [14C]-apremilast was metabolized to four products, designated as M1, M2,
M3, and M5. Metabolites M3 and M5 were not produced to an appreciable extent in the absence of NADPH,
indicative of the involvement of CYP enzymes. The apparent Km values for M3 and M5 were high (199 and
194 μM, respectively) suggesting that [14C]-apremilast has a relatively low affinity for these isozyme.
Following incubations with cDNA expressed human P450 isoforms, CYP3A4 was found to be capable of
efficiently metabolizing apremilast to M3, and CYP2C8 and CYP2D6 to a small extent. Apremilast was
metabolised to M5 predominantly by CYP3A4 and CYP2A6 and to some extent by CYP1A2.
Marked inhibition of the formation of M3 and M5 was observed following incubation in the presence of the
selective CYP3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole (59% for M3, 104% for M5). These data generally support the
data generated with recombinant CYP3A4, confirming that apremilast metabolism was mediated via
CYP3A4 to a major extent. Notable inhibition was also observed for M3 and M5 for furafylline (CYP1A2),
M5 for 8-methoxypsoralen (CYP2A6), and to a lesser extent, monoclonal anti-CYP2E1, sulphaphenazole
(CYP2C9), and tranylcypromine (CYP2C19).
In summary, the results of the present study indicate that the metabolism of [14C]-apremilast is
mediated predominantly by CYP3A4, although other isozymes, such as CYP1A2 and CYP2A6, may
contribute to a lesser extent to the metabolism.
Inhibition of Cytochrome P450
Studies were conducted to investigate the inhibitory and time-dependent effects of apremilast on selected
P450 activities in human liver microsomes. Apremilast did not significantly inhibit marker enzyme
activities for CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, or CYP3A4 at any
concentration evaluated. Apremilast was a weak direct inhibitor of CYP2C8, estimated half-maximal
inhibition (IC50) of 56.1 μM. Based on these in vitro results and the plasma concentrations of apremilast
observed at clinically relevant doses, apremilast is unlikely to cause drug-drug interactions due to enzyme
inhibition when coadministered with substrates of these CYP isoforms.
Induction of Cytochrome P450
The potential for apremilast to act as an inducer of CYP enzymes was evaluated in primary cultures of
human hepatocytes with subsequent determinations of microsomal CYP activities. Under the conditions of
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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this study, treatment of cultured human hepatocytes with prototypical inducers caused the anticipated
increases in CYP activity. Treatment of cultured human hepatocytes with apremilast at 10 and 100 μM
caused a concentration-dependent decrease in microsomal 7-ethoxyresorufin O-dealkylase (CYP1A2) and
diclofenac 4′-hydroxylase (CYP2C9) activity. The decrease in CYP1A2 and CYP2C9 activity was 35% at 10
μM apremilast, and 45% to 73% at 100 μM. In general, treatment of cultured human hepatocytes with
apremilast had little or no effect on CYP2B6 or CYP2C19 activity. However, for CYP2B6, there was a trend
toward an increase in activity, and in the case of CYP2C19, there was a concentration-dependent
decrease in two cultures and a concentration-dependent increase in the third culture. Treatment of
cultured human hepatocytes with apremilast caused an increase (3.7-fold) in testosterone
6β-hydroxylase (CYP3A4) activity, and the increase was statistically significant at the highest
concentration (100 μM apremilast). At 100 μM, apremilast was about half as effective as rifampin at
inducing CYP3A4 activity.
Apremilast had no effects on CYP1A2 and CYP2C9 at 1 μM; treatment at higher concentrations caused
35% (10 μM) and up to 70% (100 μM) decreases in CYP1A2 and CYP2C9 activities. There was no effect
on CYP3A4 activities at 1 and 10 μM apremilast. A 3.7-fold induction of CYP3A4 (roughly half the extent
induced by rifampin) was observed at 100 μM. However, this effect is unlikely to be clinically relevant
because 100 μM is approximately 70-fold higher than observed Cmax of apremilast in psoriasis patients
following 30 mg BID dosing (approximately 1.5 μM).
Interaction with P-glycoprotein
The intrinsic permeability of apremilast and its interaction with xenobiotic transporter P-gp as a substrate
and as an inhibitor were assessed in control and human P-gp expressing LLC-PK1 cell lines. The
determined intrinsic apparent permeability (Papp) value was 21 x 10-6 cm/sec across native LLC-PK1
monolayer following a 120-minute incubation, which is considered moderate. Bidirectional permeability
determinations in control and P-gp-expressing cells demonstrated that apremilast was transported by
P-gp, based on net efflux ratio of 27 (after 120-minute incubation). The transport activity of 10 μM
apremilast was assessed in the absence and presence of ketoconazole, a known inhibitor of P-gp.
Ketoconazole inhibited apremilast transport by 92%. These results further support the evidence that
apremilast is actively transported by P-gp.
Apremilast was evaluated as an inhibitor of P-gp. The results demonstrated that apremilast has no
significant inhibitory effect on the transport of P-gp substrate digoxin at apremilast concentrations ≤ 20
μM, and could potentially be a weak inhibitor at ≥ 50 μM (less than 50% inhibition at 50 μM). At the
highest planned clinical dose of 30 mg, concentrations of apremilast could reach 260 μM (30 mg/250 mL)
in the intestine. The resulting ratio of apremilast concentration (260 μM) to P-gp IC50 (> 50 μM) is <5,
suggesting apremilast is unlikely to significantly inhibit P-gp in the gastrointestinal tract (Zhang, 2008).
Interaction with Other Drug Transporters
Apremilast had little or no inhibition of OAT1- or OAT3-mediated uptake at the 2 and 10 µM. At up to 20
μM, apremilast did not inhibit BCRP-, MRP1-, MRP2-, MRP4-, OCT2-, or OATP1B3-mediated transport.
Weak inhibition (< 30%) of MRP3 (at 2 and 20 μM apremilast) and OATP1B1 (at 20 μM apremilast) was
observed, but is unlikely to result in clinically relevant inhibition of these transporters. Apremilast did
inhibit MRP8-mediated transport, with 42.7% and 59.8% inhibition, at 2 and 20 μM, respectively. The
clinical relevance of this inhibition is unclear because the role of MRP8 in drug disposition is not clearly
understood.
In studies to determine whether apremilast is a substrate for a range of transporters in relevant cell lines,
bidirectional permeability and/or cleared volume data indicated apremilast is not a substrate for BCRP,
OAT1, OAT3, OATP1B1, OATP1B3 or OCT2.
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2.3.4. Toxicology
The nonclinical safety program of apremilast (CC-10004) consisted of single-dose toxicity studies in mice
and rats (oral and intravenous), a series of repeat-dose toxicity studies for dosing durations up to 6
months in mice and 12 months in monkeys, genotoxicity core battery studies (in vitro Ames and
chromosome aberration and in vivo micronucleus assays), carcinogenicity studies in mice and rats
including 3-month maximum tolerated dose (MTD) studies to select the dosages for 2-year
carcinogenicity studies, reproductive and developmental toxicity studies in mice and monkeys, and local
tolerance studies. A study to compare the toxicity profiles of S enantiomer (apremilast) and R enantiomer
(CC-10007) in rats was also conducted. In addition, a mechanistic study was conducted to investigate the
time course for development and recovery of inflammatory lesions observed in multiple tissues of mice
and to examine potential biomarkers for proinflammation response. The phototoxicity potential of
apremilast was assessed in an in vitro assay in 3T3 fibroblast cells. A dosage-range-finding study and a
pivotal 13-week toxicity study in juvenile mice were also conducted.
Single dose toxicity
The study design and major findings are summarised in table 6 below.
Table 6: Single dose toxicity studies
Study
Species/
Sex
/Number/
Group
Dose/Route
(mg/kg)
MLD/MNLD
(mg/kg)
1398/278
Mouse/Crl:CD-1
(ICR)BR
2000 (preliminary
and main) Oral
>2000
Mouse/Crl:CD-1
(ICR)BR
5/sex
No body weight effects or
macroscopic necropsy findings
gross
Isolated palpebral closure
5/sex
1398/279
Major findings
Preliminary:
50, 75, 100,
150, or 200
Main: 120 IV
MLD:
Mortality at 150 and 200 mg/kg (prelim)
Clinical signs ≥ 50 mg/kg tachypnoea,
>120 Females lethargy and palpebral closure
Mortality in 1 M 120 mg/kg
120 Males
Tachypnoea, palpebral closure (males)
1398/276
Rat/Crl:WI(G1x/
BRL/Han)BR
5/sex
Preliminary:
200, 400, 700,
1000, 1500, or
2000
Main: 300 (F) or
2000 (M) Oral
MLD:
Mortality ≥ 400 mg/kg Females (prelim)
2000 Males
Mortality at 2000 mg/kg in 1 male.
>300 Females Weight loss, vasodilatation, diarrhoea,
staining of the snout, soiling of the
anogenital region, palpebral closure,
lethargy,
a
hunched
posture,
chromodacryorrhoea, palpebral closure,
dyspnoea and a wasted appearance
GI macroscopic changes
1398/277
Rat/Crl:WI(G1x/
BRL/Han)BR
Preliminary: 50,
60, 75, or 100
Main: 60 IV
MLD:
Mortality ≥ 75 mg/kg Females
>60 mg/kg
Tachypnoea,
lethargy,
haematuria,
salivation,
palpebral
closure,
pilo-erection and rales, tremors, stained
snout, chromodacryorrhoea,
No deaths in main study at 60 mg/kg
Tachypnoea; lethargy, lachrimation and
palpebral closure within two hours of
dosing and pilo-erection and stained
snouts in females.
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Repeat dose toxicity
Repeat-dose toxicity studies were performed in mice for up to 12 month, rats for up to 6 months, and
cynomolgus monkeys for up to 12 months. The study design and major findings are summarised in table
7 below.
Table 7: Repeat-dose studies
Study ID
Species/Sex/
Number/Group
Mouse
1398/262
14
days 6/sex/group
(QD)
Dose/Route
0, 500, 1000, or
2000
Oral
Major findings
Body weight and food consumption ↓ Group
mean body weight gain for all M groups.
↓ food consumption in week 1
Haematology:↓ neutrophil count
Clin. Chem: ↓ AST/ALT ≥ 1000 mg/kg M,
2000 mg/kg F. Increased protein, globulin,
albumin (F) ≥1000 mg/kg. ↓ A/G ratio
Macroscopic: Distension, thickening, irregular
surface and raised foci in the stomach at all
doses.
NOAEL considered 500 mg/kg; AUC24h <
146,245 and < 158,868 ng•h/mL for M
and F
1398/289
28
days
(QD)
Mouse
12/sex/group
0, 250, 600, or
1500
Oral
Mortality: 2 F at 1500 mg/kg due to arteritis,
1 F at 600 mg/kg and 1 M at 1500 mg/kg,
undetermined
No effects ophthalmology
Clinical signs: swollen abdomen, hunched
appearance, thinness in F ≥ 600 mg/kg, rapid
respiration at 1500 mg/kg
Body weight and food consumption: ↓ body
weight gain in 1500 mg/kg M, ↓consumption
in 1500 mg/kg F
Haematology:
↑neutrophil
count,
↓
lymphocyte count in M/F, ↑ white cell count in
F
Clin. Chem: ↑ globulin levels and total protein,
slightly ↓ albumin and A/G ratio. ↓ K+ and
bilirubin.
Organ weight: ↑ Liver and spleen weights in
M/F
Macroscopic: Large liver (1500 mg/kg F),
spleen (F), thick pale stomach (≥ 600 mg/kg)
Microscopic: Arteritis in multiple organs –
inflamm
cell
infiltrates,
perivascular
edema/haemorrhage,
necrosis,
fibrosis,
cardiac cartilaginous metaplasia.
Lung
perivascular
inflammatory
cell
infiltration. Inflammatory lesions in the lung
related to arteritis.
Centrilobular hypertrophy in liver.
Hyperkeratosis noted in the forestomach,
with keratin layer thickening, gastritis.
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Synovitis stifle joint of 2M/1F.
↑ lymphoid hyperplasia
Toxicokinetics: ↑ exposure on d28 v d1, and in
FvM
No NOAEL due to findings at 250 mg/kg;
AUC24h values at this dose were <
101,173 and < 117,865 ng•h/mL for
M/F
1398/297
28
days
(QD)
Mouse
12/sex/group
0, 5, 25, 75, or
150
Oral
Mortality: 1M at 75 mg/kg euthanized due to
skin lesions. Arteritis noted in aortic root at
based of heart.
No effects on ophthalmology, clinical signs,
body weight, food consumption
Haematology: ↓ lymphocyte count in M/F
Clin. Chem: ↑ globulin levels and total
protiein, ↓ albumin and A/G ratio in F.
Organ weight: ↓ kidney weight in 150 mg/kg F
Macroscopic: Thick stomach in one 150 mg/kg
F
Microscopic: Arteritis in multiple organs –
inflamm
cell
infiltrates,
perivascular
edema/haemorrhage, necrosis, fibrosis – in
kidney and thoracic organs (M) and aortic root
(F).
Lung
perivascular
inflammatory
infiltration in ≥ 75 mg/kg M
cell
Stomach hyperkeratosis ≥ 75 mg/kg/day
Toxicokinetics: less than
exposure on d28 v d2.
dose
prop
↑
NOEL for arteritis in females was 75
mg/kg/day, not established in males;
AUC24h 41374 ng.h/mL in F
1398/333
4
weeks
(QD)
Mouse
12/sex/group
0, 1, 2, or 4
Oral
No significant treatment-related effects on
mortality ophthalmology, clinical signs, body
weight, food consumption haematology,
organ weight, macroscopic or microscopic
findings.
Clin. Chem: ↓ ALT/AST.
NOAEL was > 4 mg/kg/day; Day 28
AUC24h values of 3810 and 3992
ng.h/mL
for
males
and
females,
respectively.
1398/373
13 weeks
(QD)
Mouse
12/sex/group
0, 2, 4, 8, or 16
Oral
No significant treatment-related effects on
mortality ophthalmology, clinical signs, body
weight, food consumption haematology,
organ weight, macroscopic findings.
Microscopic: minor treatment related findings
in the heart, lung and thymus at 16
mg/kg/day.
Minor arteritis at the root of the aorta in
1M/2F at 16 mg/kg/day, perivascular
inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung of 1 F
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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at 16 mg/kg/day.
NOAEL 8 mg/kg/day; AUC24h 9608 and
8988 ng.h/mL for M/F respectively.
CC-1000
4-TOX-0
02
(WIL-55
3002)
90 days
(QD)
Mouse
10/sex/group
0, 100, 300, or
1000
Oral
No
effects
on
mortality,
clinical
observations or macroscopic necropsy
findings
Body weight and food consumption: ↓
body weight gain in and food consumption
M/F
Haematology: ↑neutrophil count,
↓
lymphocyte count in M/F ≥ 300
mg/kg/day
Clin. Chem: ↑ haptoglobin and CRP in M/F,
↑ globulin in M
Organ weight: ↑ liver weight at 1000
mg/kg, ↑ thymus weight
Microscopic:
inflammation
and/or
degeneration of the heart around the
aorta or aortic root. Lung inflammation in
the perivascular or peribronchiolar region.
Centrilobular hepatocellular hypertrophy
in liver. Lymphoid depletion in thymus of a
few males at 1000 mg/kg/day and in the
spleen in 2M. Perivascular inflammation in
the mesenteric area and pancreas in 1M.
NOAEL
was
100
mg/kg/day;
corresponding to Day 86 AUC24h
values of 24,318 and 25,478 ng.h/mL
for M/F, respectively
CC-1000
4-TOX-0
04
(WIL-55
3003)
6
months
(QD)
Mouse
15/sex/group
0, 10, 100, or
1000
Oral
Mortality: 4 mice ≥ 100 mg/kg/day due to
vascular/
perivascular
inflammation,
necrosis or hepatic infarction
No treatment-related ophthalmic findings.
Body weight and food consumption: ↑
body weight and food consumption in F.
Haematology: ↓WBC, large unstained
cells, and lymphocytes, ↑neutrophils ≥
100 mg/kg M.
Clin. Chem: ↑ globulin levels and total
protiein, ↓ albumin and A/G ratio in F. ↓ Clin F. ↑ haptoglobin
Organ weight: ↑ liver weight at 1000
mg/kg, ↑ testes weight ≥ 100 mg/kg M, ↑
brain heart and liver weight ≥ 10 mg/kg
Macroscopic: No findings at scheduled
necropsy
Microscopic: Vascular and perivascular
inflammation in the heart (aortic root and
cardiac
arteries),
mesentery,
and
pancreas at ≥ 100 mg/kg/day.
Vascular mineralization and cartilaginous
metaplasia (aortic root) were occasionally
associated with inflammatory changes in
the heart at ≥ 100 mg/kg/day.
Vascular/ perivascular inflammation of the
liver and fibrosis around the bile ducts in
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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males at 100 mg/kg/day. Inflammation
and necrosis of the gall bladder in 1000
mg/kg/day F.
Minimal
centrilobular
hypertrophy.
hepatocellular
↓ early cystic endometrial hyperplasia in
the uterus, considered incidental.
Malignant lymphoma in multiple tissues
was noted in 1 F, an alveolar/bronchiolar
adenoma was present in the lung of 1 F,
considered incidental.
NOAEL 10 mg/kg/day. AUC0-24hr on
Day 177 5614 and 5842 ng.mL/hr in
M/F.
CC-1000
4-TOX-0
03
(WIL-55
3001)
90 days
(QD)
Rat
10/sex/group
0, 30, 100,
300, or 1000
(M)
Mortality: ≥ 30 mg/kg in M, ≥ 10 mg/kg in
F, with overt toxicity, led to early
termination of dosing in these groups.
0, 0.3, 3, 10, or
30 (F)
Oral
Body weight and food consumption: ↓
body weight gain ≥ 30 mg/kg M, 0.3
mg/kg F, ↓ food consumption at higher
doses.
Haematology:
↑
WBC,
neutrophil,
lymphocyte, monocyte count ≥100 mg/kg
M, ≥3 mg/kg F. ↑ mean/absolute
reticulocytes ≥ 10 mg/kg F.
Clin chem.: ↑ globulin levels, ↓ albumin
and A/G ratio in. ↑ haptoglobin in F at
week 0.
Organ weights: ↓ thymus weights ≥30
mg/kg M/F
Macroscopic:
Euthanized
animals
enlargement or dark red discoloration of
the adrenal glands, dark red or yellow
contents,
dark
red
discoloration,
distention or intussusception of the
intestinal tract, enlargement of the lymph
nodes, white areas in the mesentery,
enlargement, gray discoloration or pallor
of the salivary glands, small or pallor of
the spleen, distention or dark red areas in
the stomach, and small or edema of the
thymus.
Microscopic:
Mesentery
(inflammation,
fibroplasia/fibrosis,
adipose
tissue
atrophy, and vascular degeneration,
hemorrhage, and inflammation), heart
(perivascular
and
epicardial
inflammation), stomach and/or intestine
(mucosal inflammation, hemorrhage,
congestion, erosion and ulceration),
lymphoid tissues (lymphoid depletion
and/or
necrosis
and
neutrophilic
inflammation),
adrenals
(cortical
hypertrophy and/or hyperplasia and
hemorrhage),
bone
marrow
(hypocellularity
and/or
erythroid
depletion and hemorrhage), salivary
gland (acinar atrophy and excessive
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
Page 44/189
mucous production),
(hyperkeratosis).
and
esophagus
Isolated diffuse hepatocellular atrophy in
M
Only
thymus/spleen
recovery
unresolved
at
Toxicokinetics: Greater exposure in F v M,
no accumulation.
No NOAELs determined. MTD 30 and
3 mg/kg/day in M/F; Day 88 AUC24h
values of 1281 and 6984 ng•h/mL
respectively.
1398/283
Repeat
dose: 14
days (QD)
Cynomolgu
s monkey
2/sex/grou
p
MTD: 0, 100,
300, 650, or
1000
Repeat dose:
750
No mortality, clinical signs included vomiting
Body weight and food consumption: ↓ body
weight at 750 mg/kg/day
Haematology: ↓ RBC, Hb and packed cell
volume, ↑ neutrophils and lymphocytes.
Clin chem.: ↑ plasma globulin
Macroscopic: ↓ thymus size, tail lesions (M).
Microscopic: thymic atrophy correlated w/
macroscopy, mesenteric/mandibular lymph
node and spleen atrophy. ↑ haemopoiesis in
sterna marrow.
Minor pyaemic foci in the heart and lung,
arteritis in one section of epididymis and
minor lymphadenitis in the mandibular lymph
node.
No NOAEL, MTD 750 mg/kg/day
CC-1000
4-TOX-0
10
(1398-4
91)
Cynomolgu
s monkey
3 F/group
Phase I:
14 days
(BID or
0, 50, or 250
(BID)
and
200,
200, or 1000
(QD)
200 (QD)
Oral
No mortality, clinical signs included vomiting
Body weight and food consumption:
decreased body weight in some animals led
to increased food supplementation.
Haematology: minor ↓ RBC, Hb.
Clin chem.: No treatment-related effects
Organ weight: No treatment-related effects
QD)
Macroscpoic: discolored mucosa in
fundus or pylorus region of stomach.
Phase
II: once
the
Microscopic:
multifocal
moderate
degeneration /necrosis of the myocardium
accompanied by a minimal subacute
myocardial
inflammation,
moderate
hemorrhage and/or moderate hemorrhage
(200 and 1000 mg/kg daily)
NOAEL 50 mg/kg BID
1398/296
28
days
(QD)
Cynomolgu
s monkey
3/sex/grou
p
0, 50, 180, or
650
Oral
No mortality; clinical signs included reflux,
vomiting up to 3h post dose ≥ 180
mg/kg/day, salivation in 1M/F
No effects on body weight, ophthalmoscopy,
ECG, clinical chemistry.
Haematology:
↑
erythroblasts in
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
neutrophil
levels,
↑
Males with uncertain
Page 45/189
relevance.
Organ weights: ↑ liver weight in M at 650
mg/kg/day
Microscopic:
vascular
wall
degeneration/necrosis with formation of small
thrombi, perivascular oedema and minor
inflammatory cell infiltration consisting
predominantly
of
polymorphs
and
eosinophils.
NOAEL ≥ 650 mg/kg/day; Day 28 AUC24h
values of 78,989 and 58,271 ng.h/mL for
M and F.
1398/368
13 weeks
(QD)
Cynomolgu
s monkey
0, 25, 85, or
300
Oral
No mortality, isolated vomiting/retching
No effects on body weight, ophthalmoscopy,
ECG, clinical chemistry, haematology, clinical
chemistry, organ weights, or macroscopic
findings.
Microscopic: small increase in hepatocyte
vacuolation incidence/severity.
NOAEL 300 mg/kg; AUC24h values of ≥
32,523 and ≥ 23,307 ng.h/mL
CC-1000
4-TOX-0
05
(WIL-55
3004)
12
months
(QD)
Cynomolgu
s monkey
0, 60, 180, or
600
Oral
Mortality: 1F euthanized, not treatment
related
Clinical signs: ↑ red vaginal discharge
incidence
Body weight and food consumption:
Observed inappetance without body
weight changes.
Haematology: ↑ neutrophil levels, ↑
lymphocytes. ↑ fibrinogen at 600 mg/kg
M, ≥ 180 mg/kg F. ↓ mature T cells and NK
cells in M
Clin chem.: ↓ glucose, ↓ albumin, variable
↑ CRP and haptoglobin.
No effects on ophthalmology, ECG, organ
weights, macroscopic findings.
Microscopic: Small chronic inflammation
foci in heart, liver, kidneys, nasal cavity;
not treatment related.
NOAEL 600 mg/kg/day, AUC24h
values of 42,608 ng.h/mL and 26,936
ng.h/mL in M/F. M3 and M12
metabolites
were
2768/1065
ng.h/mL
and
90,035/63,662
ng.h/mL in M/F
Toxicokinetics
The toxicokinetic parameters in mouse, rat, and cynomolgus monkey repeat dose studies are
summarised in table 8 below.
Table 8: Toxicokinetic parameters in mouse, rat, and cynomolgus monkey repeat dose studies
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
Page 46/189
Study ID
Daily Dose
(mg/kg)
Steady state AUC 24h
(ng.h/ml)
Animal:Human
Exposure Multiple
♂
♀
♂
♀
146245
174239
215866
101173
162965
205842
842
2176
3810
6327
16207
54158
65576
2143
4069
9608
15960
24318
52419
80724
5614
21289
72183
585
2110
5270
158868
186415
222283
117865
194262
279734
882
1376
3992
6254
17109
41374
66846
2418
4764
8988
14895
25478
54890
87828
5842
32491
76010
789
2990
2830
20.0
23.8
29.5
13.8
22.3
28.2
0.1
0.3
0.5
0.9
2.2
7.4
9.0
0.3
0.6
1.3
2.2
3.3
7.2
11.0
0.8
2.9
9.8
0.1
0.3
0.7
21.7
25.5
30.4
16.1
26.6
38.3
0.1
0.2
0.5
0.9
2.3
5.7
9.1
0.3
0.7
1.2
2.0
3.5
7.5
12.0
0.8
4.4
12
0.1
0.4
0.4
1281
NA
NA
NA
592
6984
NA
NA
0.2
NA
NA
NA
0.1
1.0
NA
NA
123597
116035
16.9
15.9
CD-1 mouse
1398/262
Day 14
1398/289
Day 28
1398/333
Day 28
1398/297
Day 28
1398/373
Week 13
CC-10004-TOX002
Day 86
CC-10004-TOX004
Day 177
CC-10004-TOX1125
PND21
SD rat
500
1000
2000
250
600
1500
1
2
4
5
25
75
150
2
4
8
16
100
300
1000
10
100
1000
1
4
10
C-10004-TOX-00 30/0.3
3
100/3
300/10
Day 88
1000/30
Cynomolgus monkey
1398/283
Day 14
CC-10004-TOX010
Day 14
1398/296
Day 28
1398/368
Week 13
CC-10004-TOX005
Day 358
750
100
200
200
500
1000
50
180
650
25
85
300
60
180
600
NA
15079
52893
78989
13254
12592
32523
16443
23841
42608
33754
67853
44506
93755
92975
9666
34772
58271
12461
20293
23307
17526
22561
26936
NA
2.1
7.2
10.8
1.8
1.7
4.5
2.3
3.3
5.8
4.6
9.3
6.1
12.8
12.7
1.3
4.8
8.0
1.7
2.8
3.2
2.4
3.1
3.7
NOAEL Dose; where determined.
The comparison of Ampremilast metabolites M3 and M12 in Mouse, Monkey, and Human is described in
table 9 below.
Table 9: Comparison of Ampremilast metabolites M3 and M12 in Mouse, Monkey, and Human
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
Page 47/189
Metabolite M3 (Male/Female)
Metabolite M12 (Male/Female)
AUC
Ratio to human AUC
Ratio to human
Human
Trace
NA
3930d
NA
6-month Mouse
5.29/15.2
NC
1459/1856
0.37/0.47
12-month Monkey
2768/1065
NC
90035/63662
23/16
AUC = area under the plasma concentration-time curve; NA = not applicable; NC = not calculated. All data are
presented as AUC24h (ng•h/mL)
Genotoxicity
Table 10: Overview of genotoxicity studies
Type
of Test system
test/study
ID/GLP
Gene mutations in Salmonella strains
bacteria
TA98,
TA100,
GLP
TA1535,
TA1537
and TA102
Concentrations/
Concentration range/
Metabolising system
Up to 5000 μg/plate +/S9
Chromosomal
Human peripheral Up to 448 µg/mL - S9
aberrations
in blood lymphocytes Up to 700 µg/ml + S9
mammalian cells
GLP
Chromosomal
aberrations in vivo
GLP
Mouse, micronuclei 0,
500,
1000,
in bone marrow
mg/kg/day
Results
Positive/negative/equivocal
Cytotoxicity at ≥2500 in TA98,
TA1537
Negative +/- S9
No increase in chromosomal
aberrations +/- S9
2000 No increase in micronuclei
formation up to 2000 mg/kg/day
Carcinogenicity
GLP-compliant 104-week oral carcinogenicity studies were performed in mice and rats
Long-term studies
Table 11: Summary of carcinogenicity studies in mouse and rat
Study ID
/GLP
CC-10004TOX-006
Dose/Route
(mg/kg/day)
100, 300 (200),
and 1000 (500
F)
Oral
AUC 24h
(d175)
Male:
32419
45397
52856
Female
37655
47305
75049
Species/No.
animals
Mice
70/sex/group
Major findings
No
treatment-related
neoplastic
changes up to 1000/500 mg/kg/day.
Incidence of malignant lymphoma, skin
sarcoma in line with historical ctls
Mortality:
deaths
due
to
vascular
degeneration/inflammation-related
hemorrhage. General trend in ↓ survival in M.
No effects on clinical signs, incidence of
palpable masses,
Body weight & food consumption: ↑ b.w. and
f.c in F. ↑ bw in M at w13 but ↓ at w32-73.
Haematology: ↑ neutrophil, ↓ RBC mass and
lymphocyte count, ↑ reticulocyte counts
Clin chem.: ↑ total protein and globulin, blood
urea nitrogen, ↓ Alk Phosphatase
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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Macroscopic: distended gall bladder in M/F,
Harderian gland discolouration in F
Microscopic:
Heart: Fibrosis of epicardium, coronary
vasculitis, proliferation of spindle cells and
thickening of the vessel wall.
Skeletal muscle: hemorrhage
Lungs: perivascular and/or peribronchiolar
lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltrates
Vagina: ↑ mucification
CC-10004TOX-007
3, 10, 20 M
0.3, 1, 3 F
Male:
289
537
608
Female:
529
1814
7721
SD rats
70/sex/group
No
treatment-related
neoplastic
changes up to 20 or 3 mg/kg/day in
M/F.
Mortality:
deaths
due
to
GI
inflammation/necrosis ≥ 3 mg/kg M, ≥ 1
mg/kg F. General trend in ↓ survival in M.
No effects on clinical signs, incidence of
palpable masses
Body weight & food consumption: ↓ bw in M
Haematology:
↑
neutrophil,
WBC,
lymphocytes. ↓ RBC mass, ↑ reticulocyte
counts
Clin chem.: ↑ globulin, ↓ albumin
Macroscopic: GI findings at euthanasia
Microscopic:
gastrointestinal tract: inflammation, erosion
and ulceration goblet cell hyperplasia
heart: necrosis and fibroplasias
lymphoid tissue: acute inflammation and
hyperplasia
liver: vasculitis,
adrenal cortex: necrosis
bone: periosteal hyperostosis
skeletal
muscle:
mineralization
degeneration
and
vagina/cervix: epithelial mucification
Reproduction Toxicity
The mouse and monkey were selected as the rodent and non-rodent species for the embryo-fetal
development evaluation. The monkey was selected due to a lack of measurable exposure to apremilast in
rabbits after oral administration. The mouse was used as the species to assess fertility and mating and
pre- and postnatal development based on the pharmacokinetic and metabolic profile which is more similar
to humans.
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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Fertility and early embryonic development
Table 12: Summary of fertility and early embryonic development studies
Study type/
Study ID / GLP
Fertility
CC-10004-TOX-0
01
GLP
Species;
No./sex/
group
Route
&
dose
mg/kg/day
Dosing
period
Major findings
Mouse
25 M/F
0, 100, 300,
1000
Oral
M:
28
days
pre-cohab
F:
15
days
pre-cohab
to GD7
No mortalities, clinical or necropsy
findings attributed to apremilast.
Body weight: ↑ b.w. gain in 1000
mg/kg/day M, ≥100 mg/kg/day F, but ↓
after cessation. ↑ Gestation b.w.
Mating/Fertilty: ↑ #days cohab ≥300
mg/kg/day, ↓ Fertility Index, ↓ mating
mice.
No effects on estrous cycle. No effects on
sperm parameters
↑ post-implant losses
embryos at 1000 mg/kg
and
unviable
Organ weight: ↑ heart weight in M, testes
weight, ↓ seminal vesicles, prostate.
No NOAEL was established
CC-10004-TOX-0
11
GLP
Mouse
25 M/group
0, 1, 10, 25,
50
Oral
70
days
pre-cohab
 mating
No apremilast-related deaths, or clinical
or necropsy observations parameters
Body Weights: ↑ ≥ 10 mg/kg
Mating/Fertility: No effects on mating,
fertility, or sperm parameters.
Organ weight: ↑ testes absolute weight
and b.w. ratio ≤25 mg/kg
NOAEL 50 mg/kg/day; Day
AUC 24h of 21,040 ng.h/mL
70
Fertility and EED
CC-10004-TOX-0
12 GLP
Mouse
25 F/group
0, 10 20, 40,
80
Oral
15
days
pre-cohab
to GD15
No apremilast-related
clinical signs.
mortality
or
Female mating and fertility indices not
affected by treatment.
Body Weights: ↓ b.w. gain ≥ 40 mg/kg
Mating/Fertility: ↓ number of estrous
cycles, ↑ extended cycles at 20 & 80
mg/kg/day. ↑ #days cohab ≥20
mg/kg/day
↑
post-implant
losses,
total/early
resorption ≥ 20 mg/kg/day, ↓ litter sizes,
number of live fetuses and fetal b.w at
≥40 mg/kg
↓ ossified tarsals ≥ 20 mg/kg/day, ↑
incompletely ossified supraoccipitals at
≥40 mg/kg /day.
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
Page 50/189
Organ weight: ↑ heart weight ≥20 mg/kg
NOEL for female fertility, maternal &
developmental
NOAEL
was
10
mg/kg/day; AUC24h of 29,215
ng.h/mL
Embryo-fœtal development
Table 13: Summary of Embryo-fœtal development studies
Study type/
Study ID / GLP
Species;
No./sex/
group
Embryo-fœtal development
Route
&
dose
mg/kg/day
Dosing
period
Major findings
1398/308 GLP
Range Finding
0, 250, 500,
or 750
Oral
GD 6-15
Slight maternal toxicity (decreased
weight gain, food intake and gravid
uterus weight) at 500 and 750
mg/kg/day.
Mouse
No embryo-fetal toxicity or external
defects up to 750 mg/kg/day.
1398/309 GLP
Mouse
24 F/group
0, 250, 500,
750
Oral
GD 6-15
Mortality: 1 F euthanised with pallor,
sluggish behavior, labored respiration,
red discharge from urogenital region,
semi-closed eyes and sore/lesion on
neck, distended gall bladder, stomach
Body Weights: ↓ b.w. gain & food
consumption ≥ 250 mg/kg
Organ weight: ↓ gravid uterus weight in
treated groups
EFD: Pregnancy rate unaffected, ↑
embryo-fetal loss, ↑ intrauterine deaths
& post-implantation losses.
↓ Litter weight and fetal weight at all
doses, ↓ placental weight ≥ 500
mg/kg/day.
↑ rate incomplete ossification and/or
sternabrae development
No NOAEL determined
Teratogenicity NOAEL 750 mg/kg
(highest dose tested)
CC-10004-TOX-0
09 non-GLP
Range Finding
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
Rabbit
Initial phase:
0, 5, 50
Extended
phase:
0, 15
Oral
1 day
Initial phase:
50 mg/kg – All rabbits terminated on Day
2 due to severe toxicity including
decreased motor activity, hyperpnea,
twitches, perivaginal discharge.
Abnormal feces, perivaginal discharge or
red/dark brown urine. Weight loss &
Page 51/189
reduced food consumption.
Macroscopic findings (on Day 5) included
dark brown or black kidneys, discolored
fluid in urinary bladder, pale heart or
distended stomach or colon.
Extended phase:
Scant feces in controls. Decreased motor
activity, hyperpnea, ataxia, red perinasal
and perioral substance, urine-stained fur
at 15 mg/kg. All rabbits lost weight and
had reduced food consumption, and had
no macroscopic necropsy findings (on
Day 2).
Due to the toxicity of formulation, the
EFD portion of the study was not
conducted.
1398/290 GLP
Range Finding
Rabbit
0, 250, 500,
1000
Oral
13 days
No effects on clinical signs, body weights,
food intake, or macroscopic necropsy
findings up to 1000 mg/kg/day.
1398/291-D6154
GLP
Range Finding
Rabbit
0, 250, 500,
1000
Oral
GD 7-19
No
maternal
or
developmental toxicity
mg/kg/day.
embryo-fetal
up to 1000
A subsequent study (Report 1398/292)
demonstrated a lack of measurable
exposure of apremilast in rabbits.
1398/292 GLP
Rabbit
34 F/group
0, 250, 500,
1000
Oral
GD 7-19
1 F at 1000 mg/k/day aborted on DG27
Body Weights: ↓ b.w. gain GD19-24, ↓
food consumption GD 19-23
EFD: Slight ↓ placental weight, F fetal
weight, not significant.
No treatment-related effects on uterine
weight, or fetal external, visceral or
skeletal development abnormalities.
NOAEL 1000 mg/kg/day; There was
no apremilast exposure detected in
maternal plasma
CC-10004-TOX-0
13 GLP
Monkey
18F/group
0, 20, 50,
200, 1000
Oral
GD 20-50
No mortality, no macroscopic findings.
Clinical signs included emesis, salivation,
other signs attributed to process of
abortion
Maternal body weight: ↓ bw in animals
that aborted
EFD: Dose-dependent ↑ in embryo/fetal
loss.
External fetal findings not considered
treatment related due to absence of dose
response.
Ossifaction or misaligned vertebrae,
used ribs, scoliosis, all considered not
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
Page 52/189
related to treatment.
Maternal NOAEL 20 mg/kg/day; GD
50 AUC of 10,100 ng./mL
EFD NOAEL 1000 mg/kg/day; GD 50
AUC of 62,400 ng.h/mL
Prenatal and postnatal development, including maternal function
Table 14: Summary of PPND studies
Study type/
Study ID / GLP
Species;
Route
&
No./sex/
dose
group
mg/kg/day
Peri & postnatal development
Dosing
period
Major findings
CC-10004-TOX-1
139 GLP
GD6-DL
20
F0
Mouse
25/group
0, 10,
300
Oral
80,
Mortality: One 300 mg/kg/day mouse
died, Clinical signs of red perivaginal
substance, hyperpnea, and a clonic
convulsion. Other deaths not treatment
related.
Clinical signs: pale ears, hunched
posture, dehydration, clonic convulsion
at 300 mg/kg/day. Hypernea at 80 and
300 mg/kg.
Body weight: ↓ maternal b.w. on DL 4 &
14, ↓ b.w. gain GD 12-18, DL 1-14 at 300
mg/kg/day.
PPN:
↑ stillborn pups at ≥ 80 mg/kg/day and
dams with no surviving pups (300
mg/kg/day)
↓ Litter sizes and average litter weight,
and pup weight ≥ 80 mg/kg/day
↑ pups found dead, sacrificed due to
adverse signs or missing and presumed
cannibalize ≥ 80 mg/kg/day
F1 necropsy: Increased milk in stomach
of pups ≥ 80 mg/kg
F1: No treatment-related effects on
clinical signs, body weights, sexual
maturation, passive avoidance, motor
activity, mating, fertility, or c-section
parameters
Maternal NOAEL 10 mg/kg/day, F1
generation 10 mg/kg/day
No TK measurements
Studies in which the offspring (juvenile animals) are dosed and/or further evaluated
Two-Week Oral (Gavage) Dosage Range Finding Repeated-Dose Toxicity Study of apremilast in Neonatal
Mice (Non-GLP)
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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Apremilast was administered by oral gavage to neonatal male and female mice (8/sex/group) at 0, 10,
100, and 1000 mg/kg/day on Days 7 through 20 postpartum (DPs 7 through 20). Mortality occurred in all
pups at 1000 mg/kg/day, 7 out of 8 pups per sex in the 100 mg/kg/day group, and 2 male pups in the 10
mg/kg/day group. Clinical observations included increased incidence of dehydration at ≥10 mg/kg, thin
body condition (≥10 mg/kg/day females and 100 mg/kg/day males), and cold bodies and decreased
motor activity at ≥100 mg/kg/day. Consistent body weight loss prior to death occurred in the 1000
mg/kg/day group. The surviving pups in the 100 mg/kg/day dosage group tended to gain weight after DP
10. Body weight gain in the 10 mg/kg/day dosage group was reduced after the first two dosages (DPs 7
to 8 and 8 to 9) and then generally comparable to control group values after DP 10. Average body weights
on DP 21 were 8% and 46% below control and 17% and 43% below control for males and females in the
10 and 100 mg/kg/day dosage groups, respectively. There were no test article-related macroscopic
findings.
Dose-limiting toxicity was clearly established at 100 and 1000 mg/kg/day based on mortality on DP 9-12.
Thirteen-Week Oral (Gavage) Repeated-Dose Toxicity and Toxicokinetic Study of Apremilast in Juvenile
Mice (GLP)
Apremilast was administered orally (via gavage) to juvenile male and female mice (30/group) at dosage
levels of 0 (1% w/v aqueous CMC), 1, 4, and 10 mg/kg/day on postnatal days (PNDs) 7 through 97. Totals
of 6, 6, 9 and 17 mice in the 0, 1, 4 and 10 mg/kg/day dosage groups, respectively, were found dead,
missing, or sacrificed due to adverse signs during the dosage period, predominantly over the first week of
dosing. At 4 mg/kg/day, 5 of 9 deaths were attributed to traumatic injury and 3 were missing and
presumed cannibalized.
Apremilast was associated with mild/moderate dehydration in females at ≥4 mg/kg/day and males at 10
mg/kg/day. Decreased activity was also seen in females at ≥10 mg/kg/day. Body weights were generally
decreased with apremilast at ≥ 4 mg/kg/day from PND 7 to 14 but a compensatory increase in body
weight gain was seen from PND 22 onwards, and the changes were not considered adverse.
Sexual maturation was slightly delayed for male and female pups in the 10 mg/kg/day dosage group and
the average day on which preputial separation occurred was significantly increased in this group. Delays
were within historical controls and were related to body weight gain and therefore not considered
adverse. Clinical pathology revealed increased lymphocytes in females at ≥4 mg/kg/day of up to 1.8 fold
at the end of the dosing phase.
There were no apremilast-related effects on motor activity, functional observational battery, Morris water
maze performance, mating, fertility or Caesarean-sectioning parameters, femur lengths, organ weights,
necropsy, or histopathological observations.
Generally, administration of apremilast was considered to be well tolerated in male and female juvenile
mice. The NOAEL was considered to be 10 and 4 mg/kg/day in males and females respectively,
corresponding to AUCs of 7470 and 2990 ng•hr/mL on PNDs 7 and 21, respectively for females, and
13600 and 5270 ng•hr/mL on PNDs 7 and 21, respectively, for males.
Local Tolerance
Dermal Irritation
Acute Dermal Irritation Study in Rabbits of CC-10004 in Ethanol:Propylene Glycol (non-GLP)
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Apremilast was evaluated for its potential dermal irritation and/or corrosive effects by dermal application
to 3 New Zealand White rabbits at a concentration of 0.3 mg/mL in ethanol:propylene glycol (40:60
%v/v) (Report CC-10004-TOX-500). Hair on the dorsal trunk of the rabbits was removed and 0.5 mL of
the test article was applied and held on the skin for 4 hours. The test site was scored for erythema/eschar
formation and edema within 30 to 60 minutes and at 24 and 48 hours following patch removal. All animals
survived to study termination and there was no effect on body weights. There was no observed
erthema/eschar or edema formation; therefore, apremilast was classified as a non-irritant.
Skin Sensitization Study (Buehler Method) in Guinea Pigs of CC-10004 in Ethanol:Propylene Glycol
(non-GLP)
A total of 2 males and 2 females were assigned to the range-finding phase, and the test article was
administered to 4 dose sites on shaved dorsal trunk/scapular region of each animal at dose levels of 0
(ethanol:propylene glycol; 40:60 %v/v), 0.05, 0.5, and 3.0 mg/mL (Report CC-10004-TOX-501). Closed
topical patches were applied as 0.4 mL liquid. No signs of irritation were observed at 24 and 48 hours after
dose application; therefore, a concentration of 3.0 mg/mL was selected for the definitive skin
sensitization phase of the study.
In the definitive skin sensitization study, guinea pigs were assigned to apremilast (10/sex), vehicle
control (5/sex) or hexylcinnamic aldehyde (HCA; positive control; 5/sex) groups. During the induction
phase, animals in the apremilast or positive control groups received topical patch applications (0.4 mL) of
their respective drugs for 6 hours once weekly for 3 weeks. The challenge phase occurred 2 weeks after
the last induction application. The test or vehicle control article was applied topically to the animals in the
vehicle control and the apremilast groups, and the HCA was given similarly to the positive control animals.
The application sites were scored at 24 and 48 hours after the challenge application.
No signs of irritation were observed in any of the animals in the apremilast groups. No animals in the
vehicle control group had positive signs of irritation but 3 animals had equivocal signs of irritation. The
positive control group also responded in an equivocal manner. Based on these equivocal results, the
apremilast and positive control animals were rechallenged along with a group of previously untreated
control animals.
In the rechallenge phase, positive signs of irritation were observed in 1 of 20 animals in the apremilast
group at 48 hours scoring. This resulted in a sensitization index of 5% (weak sensitizer). No signs of
irritation were observed in the vehicle control group. The positive control group responded in an
appropriate manner, with 70% of the animals observed with erythema scores of 1 or greater (strong
sensitizer).
Immunotoxicity
No specific immunotoxicity studies were conducted with apremilast. In the single- and multiple-dose
general toxicity studies in mice, rats and monkeys, effects of apremilast on the immune system were
largely limited to inflammatory changes associated with vasculitis in rodents. This pro-inflammatory
effect observed in rodents is a known class effect of PDE4 inhibitors and is considered less relevant to
humans. In contrast, studies in monkeys revealed no convincing microscopic evidence of
apremilast-related tissue inflammation. No consistent hematological evidence of inflammation was seen.
Although neutrophilia and lymphopenia were cited in some monkey studies, including the 12-month
chronic study, these changes were negligible in magnitude and/or within the range of pretest values. No
toxicologically-significant changes in inflammatory markers were seen in the blood of monkeys dosed
with apremilast on any study.
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Aside from the rodent-predominant pro-inflammatory changes, there is little evidence from standard
toxicity studies for immunotoxic potential of apremilast. Although mildly decreased peripheral blood
lymphocytes and lymphoid atrophy/depletion in lymph nodes, spleen and/or thymus were seen in rodents
administered apremilast, these findings were associated with inflammatory lesions and are consistent
with normal physiologic responses of lymphocytes to inflammation and stress, rather than a direct
lymphotoxic effect of the drug. In monkeys, alterations in lymphoid parameters were far lower in
incidence and severity, and definitive apremilast-related inflammatory lesions were not observed.
Lymphoid atrophy was seen in monkeys only at the highest dose tested (750 mg/kg) after 2 weeks. No
evidence of effects on either lymphoid organ weights or histology was seen at doses up to 650 mg/kg and
for study durations as long as 12 months. Although decreased peripheral lymphocytes were cited in the
12-month monkey study, effects were minimal and not considered toxicologically meaningful or
associated with lymphoid atrophy in tissues. Immunophenotyping was conducted during this study and
revealed no definitive apremilast-related effects. A statistically significant effect on T cells and NK cells
was observed in males during Week 13; however, significance was no longer evident by Week 51 and a
similar change was not seen in females, thus a causative relationship of this minor effect to apremilast
administration could not be made.
There were no increased incidences of opportunistic infections or tumours in any of the completed
toxicology studies. In clinical studies, vasculitis has not been associated with apremilast treatment. There
were no notable changes in clinical laboratory tests or peripheral blood markers of inflammation
monitored in the Phase II clinical studies.
Metabolites
In vivo, apremilast is converted to several metabolic products, including the hydrolysis degradants M1
and M2, the O-desmethyl metabolite M3 (tested racemate CC-15604 and S isomer CC-16085,
respectively), the O-desethyl metabolite M5, the N-deacetyl metabolite M7, the O-desmethyl
glucuronidated metabolite M12, the N-deacetylated-O-desmethylated glucuronide M14, the
acetamide-hydroxy-glucuronide M16, and the acetamide-hydroxy metabolite M17. The synthesized
metabolites, including M12 isolated from human urine, were assayed for PDE4 enzyme and TNF-α
production inhibitory activities and compared to the parent drug (Report 5275-179; Report 5347-137;
Report 5424-75; Report 5638-96). Only the M7 and M17 metabolites (represented as CC-10055 and
CC-16401) demonstrated potent inhibition of both PDE4 enzyme activity and TNF-α production, indicative
of pharmacologically active apremilast metabolites. These data showed that the major circulating and
excreted metabolites of apremilast are inactive or markedly less active towards the PDE4 enzyme and
TNF-α production. The two pharmacologically active apremilast metabolites, M7 and M17, account for less
than 1% of the circulating radioactivity in humans and are not anticipated to contribute to the
pharmacodynamic effects to a notable extent. Based on the observation that O-demethylation is a major
metabolic pathway in human, levels of M3 and M12 were measured in the chronic mouse and monkey
studies.
Studies on impurities
The only specified impurities for the apremilast drug substance (DS) and drug product (DP) are RC6 and
RC8. RC6 is also a minor metabolite (M7) in humans and animals, and it was present in the batches used
for a number of the pivotal toxicology studies, including the 26-week mouse, 52-week monkey, and the
mouse and rat carcinogenicity studies.
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An in silico evaluation using the quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) genotoxicity predictive
tools showed that there was no potential genotoxic structural alert for RC8; however, the RC6 impurity
contains a structural alert for potential mutagenicity. Therefore, RC6 was evaluated for its mutagenic
potential in an in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay described below (Report CC-10004-TOX-015) and
the results of the assay were negative. Per ICH Q3A Guidance (2002), the levels of these impurities are
set to be below the qualification threshold of 0.15%.
The mutagenic potential of apremilast spiked with 5% w/w CC-10055 (RC6 impurity of apremilast) was
investigated in a bacterial reverse mutation assay using 4 Salmonella typhimurium tester strains (TA98,
TA100, TA1535 and TA1537) and Escherichia coli strain WP2 uvrA in the presence and absence of
Aroclor-induced rat liver (S9) at 1.5 to 5000 µg/plate apremilast with 5.5% RC6 impurity (250 µg RC6 at
maximum concentration). No positive response was seen at up to 5000 µg/plate, but precipitate was seen
at 5000 µg/plate. Under the conditions of this study, apremilast spiked with 5% w/w CC-10055 was
concluded to be negative in the bacterial reverse mutation assay with all of the tester strains in the
absence and presence of S9.
Other studies
Oral (Gavage Administration) Comparative Toxicity Study of Apreimilast R and S enantiomers in the
Female Rat
A study of the relative toxicity of the apremilast (S enantiomer) and CC-10007, its R enantiomer, in the
female rat at an oral dose of 50 mg/kg/day indicated marked differences in. CC-10007 is 8-fold less
potent than CC-10004 for PDE4 enzyme inhibition, with an IC 50 of 0.611 µM (Report 5042-107). Following
the 14 days of dosing, there was no indication of adverse effects with CC-10007; therefore, surviving
animals in that group were dosed for an additional 16 days for a total of 30 days. All animals given
apremilast were euthanized on Day 3 after only 2 doses following marked weight loss and reduction in
food consumption, and poor general condition. Macroscopic examination was not performed on these
animals at necropsy. In the CC-10007 group, one rat was terminated on Day 10 due to poor condition of
swollen abdomen, pallor and staining of the urogenital region; macroscopic examination was not
performed. Swollen abdomen was also observed in 7 out of 9 surviving animals in this group; this was first
observed on Day 11 but was no longer present by Day 17. There were no CC-10007 effects on body
weight, food consumption or macroscopic necropsy findings in the surviving animals. Limited
toxicokinetic sampling showed that each enantiomer was systemically absorbed following its oral
administration to female rats.
Evaluation of Biomarkers for Predicting Toxicity of Apremilast in Rat
The objective of this study was to develop a biomarker profile over time that could be used to follow the
development and recovery of toxicity induced by apremilast in rats. Female rats (25/group) were dosed
orally at a dose volume of 5 ml/kg with vehicle or 10 mg/kg/day of apremilast for 7 consecutive days
followed by an 11-day recovery period. On Days 3, 6, 8 (recovery day 1), 14, and 18, five animals each
from the apremilast and vehicle-treated groups were euthanized and blood, tissue and peritioneal lavage
samples were collected for analysis. Results were consistent with the 90 day repeat dose toxicity study in
rats, with GI clinical signs, hypoactivity, body weight loss, haematology and serum chemistry changes,
and histopathological changes in mesentery thymus and small intestine.
Plasma biomarkers that correlated with the onset of the inflammation included an increase in fibrinogen,
CRP, lipase, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-3 and
macrophage colony stimulating factor (MCSF) and decreases in leptin, MDC, and von Willebrand Factor
(vWF). In addition, a significant increase in neutrophils and changes in biomarkers (increases in
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fibrinogen, haptoglobin, VEGF, IgA, vWF, IL-11, and MCP-1 and decreases in leptin and RANTES [also
known as chemokine ligand 5]) were observed in the peritoneal lavage samples of apremilast-treated
rats.
Oral Toxicity Study in Mice to Investigate the Time Course for Development and Recovery of
Inflammatory Lesions in Multiple Tissues
Apremilast was administered via oral gavage to female mice (36/group) once daily 1000 mg/kg/day for
either 90 days, or 300 and 100 mg/kg/day for 14 days with a further 31 day or 76 day recovery period.
Five animals (2 at 300 mg/kg/day and 3 at 1000 mg/kg/day) died or were euthanized in extremis before
their scheduled necropsies. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluations revealed the possible cause of death
as gavage trauma for 2 animals and stress for 1 animal; no specific causes were evident in the remaining
2 early mortalities. Deaths were not considered treatment-related.
Body weights were increased prior to recovery at d13, and persisted in animals treated for 90 days.
Higher globulin and urea nitrogen levels and lower A/G ratio were noted in all apremilast-treated groups
at day 14. There were no clinical observations or haematology findings. Histological lesions were
observed in the thymus and mesenteric lymph nodes (300 and 1000 mg/kg/day) and liver (1000
mg/kg/day). Thymic lesions reversed following 31-day recovery. All changes in mesenteric lymph nodes
were resolved on Day 90 regardless of continued dosing or a 76-day recovery period. At 1000 mg/kg/day,
liver lesions (hepatocellular hypertrophy) were observed with continuous dosing for 3, 14 and 45 days;
complete recovery occurred by Day 90 with continued treatment or a 76-day recovery period.
Photoxicity study - Neutral Red Uptake Phototoxicity Assay of CC-10004 in Balb/c 3T3 Mouse Fibroblasts
Apremilast was evaluated for its phototoxicity potential by measuring the relative reduction in viability of
Balb/c 3T3 mouse fibroblasts exposed to apremilast and ultraviolet radiation (+UVR), as compared with
the viability of fibroblasts exposed to apremilast in the absence of ultraviolet radiation (-UVR). Results
from this study showed that apremilast, at up to 101.8 mg/L, the highest achievable concentration in 1%
DMSO in DPBS, demonstrated no cytotoxic effect (absence of UVR exposure) or phototoxic effect (with
UVR exposure) in the assay by either the Photo Inhibition Factor or Mean Phototoxic Effect criteria.
2.3.5. Ecotoxicity/environmental risk assessment
Apremilast is currently being developed for use in the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory
conditions such as PsA, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Behçet’s disease (BD), and ankylosing
spondylitis. The current ERA covers the indications psoriasis and PsA.
The partition coefficient (n-octanol/water) for Apremilast was experimentally determined by the shake
flask method (comparable to OECD Test Method 107). The resulting log Kow value of Apremilast was 1.77
and hence is below 4.5 (i.e. logKow = 1.77). Therefore, Apremilast cannot be identified as a persistent,
bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) or a very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) substance. The
estimation of the predicted environmental concentration (PEC) has been based on a refined market
penetration factor (F pen = 0.0342), and a maximum daily dose of 60 mg. The Phase I PEC SURFACEWATER of
Apremilast (1.03 μg/L) exceeds the action limit of 0.01μg/L, triggering a Phase II environmental fate and
effects assessment.
Table 15: Summary of main study results
Substance (INN/Invented Name):Apremilast/ CC-10004
CAS-number (if available): 608141-41-9
PBT screening
Result
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Conclusion
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Bioaccumulation potential- log
Kow
Shake
flask
method
comparable to
OECD107
Log Kow = 1.77
Potential PBT: No
Phase I
Calculation
Value
Unit
µg/L
PEC surfacewater,
1.03
Fpen = 0.0342
Other concerns (e.g. chemical
class)
Phase II Physical-chemical properties and fate
Study type
Test protocol
Results
Adsorption-Desorption
Not Stated
Sludge:
Kd: 28.7-40 L/kg (n=2)
Koc: 70-91 L/kg (n=2)
Conclusion
> 0.01 threshold:
Yes
No
Remarks
Kd < 3,700 L/kg,
Kow <10,000 L/kg
Terrestrial
risk
assessment
not
considered in Tier
B
Soil:
Koc: 263-457 L/kg (n=3)
Kd:
Ready Biodegradability Test
OECD 301
0-2% biodegradable
Aerobic
and
Anaerobic
Transformation in
Aquatic
Sediment systems
OECD 308
DT50, water =1.5 days (SL), 0.6
days (SW)
DT50, whole system =1.9 days
(SL), 0.7 days (SW)
Phase IIa Effect studies
Study type
Algae,
Growth
Inhibition
Test/Species
Daphnia sp. Reproduction Test
Fish, Early Life Stage Toxicity
Test/Species
Activated Sludge, Respiration
Inhibition Test
Phase IIb Studies
Sediment dwelling organism
Apremilast: ≤ 3% AR
in sediment at or after
14 days of incubation;
one transformation
product at max 17%
AR in sediment on day
28
Not
readily
biodegradable
Shifting
to
sediment <10%;
sediment
adsorption
does
not occur.
M1
>10%,
adsorption occurs
Test protocol
OECD 201
Endpoint
NOEC
value
3500
Unit
µg/L
Remarks
species
OECD 211
OECD 210
NOEC
NOEC
6300
7200
µg/L
µg/L
species
OECD 209
EC
1x106
µg/L
OECD 218
Currently
performed
being
PNEC values were calculated from the relevant aquatic toxicity studies as outlined below:
PNEC surfacewater
PNEC microorganisms
PNEC groundwater
NOEC
3500 µg/L
Fish, Early Life Stage Toxicity Test/ Brachydanio rerio
1x106 µg/L
Daphnia magna. Reproduction Test
630 µg/L
Activated Sludge, Respiration Inhibition Test
AF
10
PNEC
350 µg/L
10
100000 µg/L
10
630 µg/L
Ground water assessment:
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Entry into the groundwater is considered via bank filtration. Exempted for groundwater assessment are
substances with an average Koc >10,000 L/kg or which are readily biodegradable and/or have a DT90 <3
days. Since Apremilast has a Koc <10,000 L/kg and is not readily biodegradable nor has an anticipated
DT90 <3 days2, entry into the groundwater is considered via bank filtration.
PECGROUNDWATER is calculated as
PEC GROUNDWATER = 0.25 x PEC SURFACEWATER
Hence, PEC GROUNDWATER is 0.257 μg/L
Phase IIa risk evaluation:
Environmental
PEC (µg/L)
PNEC (µg/L)
PEC/PNEC
Trigger value
Conclusion
Surfacewater
1.03
350
0.003
1
No risk
Microorganism
1.03
100000
0.00001
0.1
No risk
Groundwater
0.257
630
0.0004
1
No risk
compartment
Phase IIa conclusions:
Based on the PEC/PNEC values are below the respective trigger it can be concluded that Apremilast is
unlikely to represent a risk to the aquatic environment, groundwater compartment, or micro-organisms in
the STP. Since metabolites of Apremilast are expected to be less toxic than parent based on reduced
pharmacological activity, and as PEC SURFACEWATER values are expected to be lower than those calculated in
Phase I for parent Apremilast (as transformation is not expected to result in one single metabolite), it is
concluded that also the metabolites of Apremilast will not represent a risk to the the aquatic environment,
groundwater compartment, or the STP.
The log K ow of Apremilast is < 3 and there are no other alerts for bioaccumulation (i.e. Apremilast is not
highly adsorptive). Therefore, a bioconcentration study is not indicated and the risk for bioaccumulation
is considered acceptable. Since the K oc is <10,000 L/kg, Apremilast is not expected to bind to sewage
sludge in the STP, and the exposure of the terrestrial compartment as a result of application of sludge to
soil is considered low. Further testing in the terrestrial compartment is not necessary.
Apremilast is not readily biodegradable. The results of the water/sediment study demonstrate significant
shifting of a transformation product of Apremilast to the sediment layer, with levels of total radioactivity
exceeding 10% of applied at and after day 14 (i.e. max 17% of AR on day 28). These results trigger the
consideration of risk to sediment-dwelling organisms in Phase II Tier B; a chronic sediment toxicity study
(Chironomid test; OECD 218) is therefore currently being performed.
The CHMP recommends that the applicant submits the GLP-compliant study of appropriate design to
determine the partition coefficient of apremilast, and an updated Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA)
inclusive of the updated value.
2.3.6. Discussion on non-clinical aspects
The pharmacology of apremilast was comprehensively characterised in studies comprising PDE4 binding
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assays, investigations of effects on inflammatory pathways in in vitro cellular models to determine a
mechanism of action, and studies of anti-inflammatory activity in various animal models of disease. In
vitro enzyme assays identify apremilast as a potent and selective inhibitor of PDE4, with highly selective
inhibition over other PDE enzyme subtypes (279- to 40,000-fold). Analysis of the apremilast human
metabolites indicated that only metabolites M7 and M17 have comparable PDE4 inhibitory activity to the
parent, account for less than 1% of the apremilast plasma exposure and are therefore not anticipated to
contribute to the clinical pharmacodynamic effects. In further affinity screens of binding to 68 cell
surface receptors and for inhibition of 17 enzymes, and a kinase inhibition screen of 255 kinases
apremilast was not found to cause inhibition at clinically relevant concentrations.
A large body of in vitro studies were undertaken to determine the cellular mechanism of action of
apremilast. As the proposed anti-inflammatory mechanism involves increased intracellular cAMP levels
leading to modulation of CREB/ATF-1 transcription factors and downstream inflammatory mediators,
assay endpoints focused on effects on gene and protein expression of these pre- and anti-inflammatory
mediators. Generally in stimulated whole blood cells, PBMCs and primary T-cells, apremilast inhibited
TNF-α and IL-12 production and increased IL-10 production. IL-6 production was conversely potentiated
by apremilast in LPS-stimulated HPBMCs, although in LPS-stimulated whole blood, IL-6 increases were
potentiated only in rodent whole blood and not human or monkey whole blood. The CHMP acknowledged
that IL-6 potentiation was seen in LPS-stimulated human PBMCS in study 5424-11 and not study
5042-107. The EC50 for IL-6 induction with ampremilast was 11 µM in this study with a maximum IL-6
induction of ~2 fold at 100 µM. The applicant stated that the steady state Cmax is 1.45 µM, so the
non-clinical finding is of limited clinical relevance as the effective concentration is supratherapeutic.
Furthermore, IL-6 levels were assessed in the phase 3 Clinical Study CC-10004-PSA-002. Compared to
baseline IL-6, apremilast was associated with a decrease in IL-6 levels which was statisticallt significant.
The CHMP agreed that the decrease in IL-6 is purported to be secondary to TNF-α reduction.
The data provided supported the mechanism of action whereby PDE4 inhibition modulates downstream
inflammatory cascades, thus inhibiting the inflammatory response. In vitro findings were supported by in
vivo disease models of inflammation, as apremilast inhibited TNF-α production in response to LPS and
carrageen stimulation in rats. The in vivo models of arthritis and psoriasis provided evidence to support
the proposed clinical indications. Apremilast appeared to decrease arthritis parameters in rats and mice at
around 5-25 mg/kg/day, although this did not consistently correlate with histological findings, possibly
because the disease induction was not severe. In human skin xenograft mouse models of psoriasis,
apremilast demonstrated reduction in disease and expression of the inflammatory markers TNF-α,
HLA-DR and ICAM-1.
Cereblon binding studies were undertaken due to structural similarities between apremilast and
thalidomide. The lack of competitive binding indicated that apremilast did not bind endogenous cereblon.
The CHMP considered this is in agreement with the chemical structure of apremilast, which contains a
dialkoxyphenyl moiety instead of the amino-glutarimide ring which facilitates cereblon-binding in
thalidomide, lenalidominde and pomalidomide.
The applicant performed a core battery of safety pharmacology studies, with an integrated respiratory
and cardiovascular study. In the Irwin’s test, lacrimation, ptosis and apathy were seen ≥1000 mg/kg, and
one animal died following a 2000 mg/kg dose. The NOEL of 500 mg/kg provides a 12.9-fold or 15.4-fold
safety margin based on C max or AUC 24h , respectively, from the proposed clinical dose. The study did not
indicate a CNS safety concern at clinically relevant doses. Respiratory/cardiovascular safety was
investigated following intravenous injection of apremilast. The route of administration of apremilast in the
respiratory and cardiovascular safety study in dogs was justified by the applicant based on the limitations
of oral administration to anaesthetized dogs, which is acceptable to the CHMP. Respiratory effects in dogs
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were limited to moderately increased peak inspiratory and expiratory flow. Apremilast caused a
dose-dependent increase in heart rate and left ventricular maximum rate of change, and decreased RR
and QT intervals. QTc was unchanged. The IC 50 for the inhibitory effect of apremilast on hERG current in
HEK cells was estimated to be 184.2 μM (84.8 μg/mL) which represents a margin of 127-fold over the
expected clinical Cmax and does not indicate a potential risk of QTc prolongation. Furthermore a clinical
QT/QTc study did not indicate any treatment related effects up to 50 mg BID. Gastrointestinal motility,
which may be decreased by PDE4 inhibitors, was unaffected by apremilast at up 1000 mg/kg. There is no
safety margin from NOEL of 0.5 mg/kg and the expected clinical exposure; thus a potential for a possible
for effect of aprelimast on the heart rate cannot be excluded (and will be further investigated as
desrcribed in the RMP).
In vitro studies indicated that apremilast may act synergistically with PGE2 to decrease TNF-α mediated
lung fibroblast recruitment, and expression of pro-angiogenic factors. Some synergistic inhibition of
psoriasis-related cytokines was demonstrated with cyclosporine or ETAN in stimulated human T cells and
HPBMCs. In vivo studies demonstrated that apremilast had a synergistic anti-arthritic effect with ETAN
and methotrexate in mouse arthritis models. In a mouse xenograft model of psoriasis, apremilast showed
some synergistic efficacy with methotrexate, although less than higher dose of methotrexate alone.
Following oral doses absorption, apparent clearance was higher in male than female rats, indicating
significant first pass metabolism. The gender-difference in bioavailability in rats is reflected in the
significantly greater sensitivity of female rats to apremilast in toxicity studies. During the procedure the
applicant has clarified with supporting literature references that sex-related differences in exposure are
common in rats. The increased exposure in rats is consistent with greater oxidative metabolism in male
rats compared to female rats. The sex-related differences were not seen in non-human primates or in
humans. Therefore the large differences in exposure between male and female rats are not clinically
relevant.This was agreed by the CHMP. In female rabbits, clearance was rapid and bioavailability was
negligible (<0.1%) following oral administration, which suggests that the rabbit is not a suitable species
for toxicity studies. With the exception of mice, oral doses had relatively short apremilast half lives, and
radioactivity half lives were substantially higher, suggesting significant exposure to metabolites of
apremilast.
The tissue distribution of [14C]-apremilast-derived radioactivity was determined in albino and pigmented
mice by quantitative whole body autoradiography. Rapid distribution was evident with radioactivity in all
tissues measured by 2 hours. Highest levels were present in kidney and liver, in line with excretory
routes. Radioactivity was relatively highly distributed to pancreas and gastrointestinal mucosa.
Distribution to the CNS, indicating blood barrier permeability, and reproductive organs was evident at 24
hours but not detectable by 72 hours post dose. Radioactivity was not detected in any tissues at 168 h
after dosing or later. In pigmented mice, levels of radioactivity were elevated in the uveal tracts of the
eyes compared to albino mice at 1 and 3 days post-dose. In pregnant mice, apremilast was measurable
in fetal plasma at concentrations lower or equal to maternal plasma levels, indicating apremilast crosses
the placenta and results in significant fetal exposure. In lactating mice, apremilast was detected in milk at
greater levels than plasma (~1.5 fold), indicating lacteal excretion and potential for lacteal transfer to
offspring. In vitro plasma protein binding studies found apremilast was 88.6%, 90.6%, 80.9% 84.% and
68% bound in mouse rat rabbit monkey and human plasma, respectively. The data indicate that all
species used for toxicity studies have similar levels of plasma protein binding, but all are substantially
lower than in human.
Studies in liver microsomes indicated that apremilast is subject to multiple metabolic pathways, namely
non-enzymatic (hydrolysis of phthalimide ring leading to M1 and M2), non-CYP-dependent hydrolysis
(N-deacetylation leading to M7) and CYP-dependent oxidation (O-dealkylation to M3 and other minor
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metabolites). No sex differences in metabolism were observed in any species, except rat. Human
hepatocyte studies were compromised by significant metabolism in negative controls with increased
M1/M2 and M18. Metabolism was much higher in rabbits than other species (up to 30% compared to
0.8-26%). All the metabolites formed by human liver microsomes and hepatocytes were formed by one
or more animal species. There were no significant differences between in vitro metabolic profiles in adult
and juvenile hepatocytes in humans, or microsomes in humans or mice, indicating the species are
suitable for juvenile toxicity studies.
In vivo metabolites were quantified in mouse, rat and monkey plasma and excreta. In mice apremilast
was extensively metabolised by hydrolysis, oxidative metabolism and subsequent glucuronidation.
Following oral dosing parent drug was the highest analyte in males but not in females. Hydrolysis
products M1 and M2 were the major circulating plasma metabolites and M15 to a lesser degree. M3, M9,
M19 and M22 were also present. In rats, significant differences were seen in the plasma metabolite profile
in males and females. In males little or no apremilast was seen, and M12 accounted for 43% of dose,
whereas apremilast was the principle component in females, followed by M1 and M2. The increased
circulating parent drug in females corresponds to the greatly increased sensitivity seen in toxicity studies
in females. Excreta profiles were qualitatively similar between sexes with about 25% of dose recovered as
M3, and M9 and M12 also present at 4-7%. In rabbits, no parent drug was measurable in plasma was
measurable and metabolites were not determined. In monkeys, metabolism was extensive by 24 post
dose, with M1, M2 and M12 and two polar metabolites MkP2 and MkP3 present at the greatest levels.
Metabolism was extensive with less than 1% of parent drug identified in excreta. The predominant faecal
metabolite was M3, while the primary urinary metabolite was M12. Overall apremilast underwent
extensive metabolism in mouse rat and monkey. Each of the major metabolites was present in at least
one animal used for toxicity studies. M12 was present in human plasma at higher proportion than all
species with the exception of male rats. However M3 and M12 exposures were measured at greater than
the expected human exposure as part of the 6 month mouse toxicity study and 12 month monkey toxicity
study. The metabolites are therefore considered toxicologically qualified. The applicant will test M12 in in
vitro induction studies on CYP2B6 and CYP1A2 (as as described in the RMP).
In mice and monkeys apremilast was primarily excreted through feces, with approximately 71% and 73%
recovered by 48 hours in male and female mice respectively, and around 68% in monkeys. Urinary
excretion was responsible for <5%. There was no indication of sex-related differences in elimination rates
in mice or monkey. The data indicated that excretion was extensive, with total recovery at 48 hours over
90% in mice, and near-complete recovery in monkeys at 168 hours. In bile duct cannulated mice, the
majority of dose was eliminated in bile, indicating that biliary excretion is the major route of elimination
in mice. In rats, elimination was incomplete, most likely owing to the 24 hour duration of the study.
However the amount recovered was similar to that in mice at 24 hours, which indicated excretion would
likely be extensive at later time points. The fecal route also appears to be the major route of excretion in
rats. Initial recovery of radiation was greater in males, indicating slower excretion rates in females, in
agreement with overall exposure levels seen in female rats. Comparison across animal species was
consistent, with fecal excretion the primary route in each species, and urinary excretion a minor route.
However in humans, urinary excretion is the primary route of elimination with 57% of dose recovered in
urine and less than 40% in feces. During the procedure, the applicant suggested that the differences in
excretion profiles across species do not have any implications for the species used for toxicity studies, as
the metabolic pathways and circulating metabolites were comparable and provide safety coverage in the
species used for toxicity studies and in humans. This was agreed by the CHMP.
Analysis of apremilast metabolism in human liver microsomes indicated the metabolites M3 and M5 were
the major CYP450-dependent metabolites. Subsequent inhibition studies indicate that CYP3A4 is the
principle enzyme responsible for metabolism to both M3 and M5, although CYP1A2 and CYP2A6 may also
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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contribute to the conversion. The CHMP concluded t that some inhibition of CYP2C8 was seen with
apremilast, with a roughly 38 fold safety margin, so this inhibition in not clinically relevant.
In an in vitro CYP450 induction assay, apremilast caused a small decrease in activity of CYP1A2 and
CYP2C9 although this was not apparent in the inhibition assay. CYP3A4 induction was apparent at with a
3.7-fold induction 100 µM. This concentration is roughly 70 times the expected clinical C max and therefore
is not considered clinically relevant.
In P-glycoprotein assays in LLC-PK1 cell lines, apremilast was demonstrated to be actively transported by
P-glycoprotein, as ketoconozole inhibited transport by 92%. Apremilast was itself a weak inhibitor of
P-glycoprotein, with an IC 50 ≥ 50 µM. The finding is described in the product information. Interaction
studies with a range of transporters did not find significant inhibition of P-glycoprotein, BCRP, MRP1,
MRP2, MRP4, OAT1, OAT3, OCT2, OATP1B1, or OATP1B3, and neither appeared to be a substrate for
BCRP, OAT1, OAT3, OATP1B1, OATP1B3 or OCT2.
Acute oral minimum lethal dose was >2000 mg/kg in mice and 2000 and 300 mg/kg in male and female
rats, respectively. The data did not indicate a potential for acute systemic toxicity in humans at the
expected clinical dose.
The mouse was chosen as the rodent species for repeat dose studies based on metabolism and
pharmacokinetic data. Specifically metabolites M3 and M7 were not seen in rat liver microsomes, but seen
in human microsomes, and large gender differences in exposure were seen in rats. Overall the choice of
rodent species is acceptable to the CHMP. In mice, daily oral administration for up to 6 months was
generally associated with increased body weight gain and food consumption. The most significant
pathology findings in mice were vascular and perivascular inflammation seen in the heart, thoracic
organs, kidney and lung, thymus, mesentery, pancreas and liver, which was accompanied by
inflammatory lesions and degenerative vascular changes. These findings correlate with neutrophilia,
lymphocytopenia, and changes in clinical chemistry characterised by decreased plasma albumin and
increased globulin. The chronic mouse study NOAEL of 10 mg/kg/day corresponds to a lower AUC 24 value
than is expected clinically; therefore no safety margin exists based on plasma exposure.
In cynomolgus monkeys treated for up to 12 months, adverse findings included mortality, decreased body
weight, emesis and/or reflux, and some changes in haematology and clinical chemistry parameters.
Isolated occurrences of vascular inflammation were seen in the one month study. Myocardial
inflammation was also seen in monkeys given 1000 mg/kg/day apremilast for 2 weeks (12.8-fold clinical
safety margin from NOAEL). These findings were not seen in the 12 month study, however some small
foci of chronic inflammation were seen in the heart at all doses. The applicant considered that the small
foci of chronic inflammation in the heart were not treatment-related, as the findings occurred in control
and treatment groups. In support of this, a report by Chamanza ¬et al was referenced. The report found
that in 570 control cynomolgous macaques, the average incidence of inflammatory cell foci was 25.8%,
and in some cases 100% of control animals were affected. Focal myocarditis and myocardial
degeneration/fibrosis was seen 6.3% and 5.6% of animals respectively. Due to the low number of animals
used per group in the monkey repeat-dose studies, extrapolation is not possible, but generally the data is
consistent with the findings seen in the monkey studies with apremilast. In the 14 day dose range-finding
study, the applicant stated that treatment-related moderate multifocal myocardial inflammation and
haemorrhage and myocardial degeneration were observed in two of three animals at 1000 mg/kg/day.
These findings were also seen in one animal at 200 mg/kg/day. However the absence of findings at the
500 mg/kg/day dose, suggest that the findings were not dose-dependent. Moreover the findings were not
seen in studies with longer duration, which supports the conclusion that the findings could be attributable
to hypersensitivity myocarditis. Overall the conclusions on the findings in the heart of monkeys
administered apremilast are acceptable to the CHMP.
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This pro-inflammatory effect in the vasculature is considered by the applicant to be specific to rodents, as
vasculitis was not seen in the cynomolgus monkey studies or in clinical studies to date. In an in vitro
study, LPS-induced IL-6 production was potentiated by PDE inhibitors including apremilast and
roflimulast in rodent blood but not human or monkey blood (Report 5265-117). However in another study
performed by the applicant (Report 5424-11) apremilast also potentiated the LPS-induced elevation of
IL-6 in human PBMCs, indicating pro-inflammatory potential in humans. Therefore the data do not
robustly support the proposed mechanism. The applicant provided supportive evidence of
species-specificity based on literature reports. The literature does indicate a class-related
pro-inflammatory effect of PDE4 inhibitors in rodents, and previous studies are consistent with the
histopathological findings the vasculature with accompanying pro-inflammatory haematology and clinical
chemistry markers (Larson et al 1996; Dietsch et al 2006; Zhang et al 2008). Moreover the sensitivity of
rodents may be explained by a greater contribution of PDE4 to overall PDE cardiac activity in rodents
(50%) versus human (10%) hearts. Although the mechanism of toxicity in rodents is not elucidated, and
therefore the human relevance is uncertain, the findings are consistent with other PDE4 inhibitors, and in
the absence of clinical evidence of vasculitis or changes in clinical lab tests or markers of inflammation,
the nonclinical findings do not appear to present a clinical safety concern. These findings have been
described in the product information. This was agreed by the CHMP.
Toxicokinetic data confirmed that the nonclinical species were exposed at or above expected therapeutic
levels based on AUC values for patients receiving 30 mg BID. The NOAEL AUC levels from the pivotal 6
month repeat dose mouse studies provided no safety margin from the expected clinical dose. The NOAEL
AUC levels in primates provide a 5.8- and 3.7-fold safety margin from the expected clinical dose.
Reproductive toxicity NOAELs provided little or no safety margin from the expected clinical dose. The
metabolites M3 and M12 were identified in the chronic mouse/monkey and monkey studies, respectively
at NOAEL levels substantially greater than those seen in humans. The CHMP considered that the
metabolites are qualified for general toxicity by the repeat dose studies.
The applicant has performed the standard battery of genotoxicity studies, in line with ICHS2A/B; the
studies did not indicate any genotoxic potential. 2 year carcinogenicity studies were performed in mice
and rats, in line with ICH S1. In mice, neoplastic findings of malignant lymphoma in males and skin
sarcoma in males and females were not considered to be attributable to apremilast. Incidence of
sarcomas were attributed to microchip tagging, which is well characterised in the literature. Incidence of
malignant lymphoma in males appeared to decrease with increasing dose. This is most likely due to the
atypically high number of findings in the control group (20% compared to historical incidence of 7.6%).
However, as there was no dose-dependent increase in tumours, and all groups were within the expected
incidence for this type of finding (4.5-8.6%), the atypical control findings are not considered to have
masked any apremilast-related effects. In rats, there was no evidence of carcinogencity. Taken together,
the CHMP concluded that the rodent bioassays indicate that apremilast is not carcinogenic.
The selection of mouse and monkey for reproductive and developmental toxicity is justified by the
unfavourable metabolite profile and sex-related exposure differences in rats, and the lack of measurable
exposure to apremilast in rabbits, respectively. The justification is acceptable to the CHMP. In the initial
fertility study, fertility indices and matings were decreased, and time to mating was increased. No NOAEL
was established and post-implantation losses were also increased at all apremilast doses, and the
average number of viable embryos was reduced at 1000 mg/kg. In the subsequent female fertility and
EED study, apremilast was associated with reduced number of estrous cycles, longer estrous cycle length,
and longer time to mate. However fertility indices were not affected. Apremilast decreased fertility in mice
when both males and females were dosed. Changes in male reproductive organ weight were not
correlated with histopathological findings. In apremilast-treated females the number of estrous cycles
was reduced and cycle length prolonged, without decreased fertility indices when mated with untreated
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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males. The NOAEL for functional effects on fertility provide a 2.9-fold and 4.0-fold safety margin from the
clinical dose in males and female.
Consistent finding in all the studies with dosing during gestation was toxicity to the offspring, including
lethality, both in utero and post-natally. In the embryo-fetal development studies, the maternal and
developmental NOEL in mice and monkeys were 10 and 20 mg/kg/day (1.3- and 1.4-fold clinical AUC),
respectively. In a pre- and postnatal study, the NOEL for maternal toxicity and F1 generation was 10
mg/kg/day (1.3-fold clinical AUC). There was evidence of dystocia at 300 mg/kg/day and to a lesser
extent at 80 mg/kg/day.
Although NOAELs were identified for the reproductive toxicity studies, there is no safety margin for the
effects on survival of the conceptuses.
Apremilast was shown to cross the placenta in monkeys and was excreted in the milk of mice.
The absence of defining the dose-response in the mouse to establish whether malformations are induced
at a dose intermediate between the NOAEL and a dose inducing lethality, and the absence of information
on the abortuses in the monkey study are the main deficiencies. Of note, the pattern of intra-uterine and
post-natal deaths seen with apremilast in rodents is frequently seen with cardiovascular teratogens.
Given that apremilast has anti-VEGF activity, and has been demonstrated to inhibit sprout formation from
human umbilical cord vessels, its potential to cause cardiovascular abnormalities cannot be excluded.
Although none have been reported, it is not clear from the mouse study report how thoroughly the heart
and major blood vessels were examined for malformations. The applicant clarified that the mice fetuses
were examined for cardiovascular malformations in the Combined Fertility and Developmental Toxicity
Study using a modified Wilson’s sectioning technique (test facility training manual, SOP and historical
control data provided). There were no heart or great vessel findings. The applicant confirmed that aborted
fetuses were not evaluated for malformations, as they were not adequately developed to facilitate
examination of developmental defects. The applicant also clarified that the possibility that malformations
can occur in the embryos that are lost prior to scheduled cesarean section cannot be ruled out. In the
mouse, these early prenatal losses typically manifest as implants undergoing resorption at the time of
cesarean section; therefore, no fetal morphological examination can be performed. In the monkey,
pregnancy losses usually occur as abortions, and the aborted fetal tissues are usually degenerated and
cannot be evaluated morphologically. The CHMP acknowldeged the inability to identify potential
malformations in embryos lost prior to caesarean section, due to degeneration of the fetal tissues in
monkeys, and resorptions of implants in mice. The product information was amended to mention that the
effects apremilast on pregnancy included embryofetal loss in mice and monkeys, and reduced fetal
weights and delayed ossification in mice at doses higher than the currently recommended highest human
dose. During the procedure the CHMP requested the SWP’s opinion as to whether a contra-indication for
pregnancy is justifiable for apremilast on the basis of animal data only. The SWP considered that following
administration of apremilast, pre-natal deaths occurred in all combined or standalone embryo-foetal
development toxicity studies in both species tested (mice and monkeys) and that minimal clinical data are
available. As of 15 May 2013, 21 pregnancies (7 female subjects and 14 partners of male subjects) were
reported during the apremilast clinical trials. There were no congenital anomalies reported for any subject
or partner of male subjects who became pregnant while being exposed to apremilast therapy. However it
could be argued that miscarriage/post-implantation loss could occur before the patient knew they
pregnant and as such, these data would not be captured. The following considerations have been made
with respect to the fact that only animal data would be the basis for a contra-indication: Small safety
margins (1.3 and 1.4 for mice and monkeys respectively) in reproductive and developmental toxicity
studies; Apremilast has anti-angiogenic properties and thus potential induction of malformations cannot
be excluded. Early embryolethality may have masked these malformation effects; Psoriatic arthritis and
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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chronic plaque psoriasis are not life-threatening conditions and that other treatments are available or that
treatment could be modified/deferred/avoided.These considerations are in line with sections 8.2.1.2 and
8.2.1.3 of the Guideline on Risk assessment of Medicinal Products on Human Reproduction and Lactation:
From Data to Labelling (EMEA/CHMP/203927/2005). The SWP therefore considered that apremilast
should be contra-indicated during pregnancy. At the CHMP’s request, a contraindication in pregnancy has
therefore been included by the applicant in the product information.
Increased weight gain was seen in mice both prior to mating in the combined fertility and embryo-fetal
development study and in repeat-dose toxicity studies. While this effect is considered to be
treatment-related, the applicant argued that it is not adverse based on lack of histopathological findings
or clinical correlation. While gravid uterine weight was not recorded in the combined fertility and EFD
study, the applicant has discussed available data from a separate EFD study in which mean maternal body
weights (corrected for gravid uterine weight) were similar between control and apremilast-treated
groups. The historical control rate for scoliosis in monkeys has been provided by the test facility.
According to the Covance memo, 3 incidences of scoliosis have been detected out of 634 control monkey
fetuses (>0.005 %). There were only 3 live fetuses for evaluation in the 1000 mg/kg/day group, one of
which was affected with scoliosis which equates to an incidence of 33.3 % in this group. However, given
that scoliosis is widely accepted to have familial origins and that adequate safety margins exist between
the exposure at which this finding was seen and that anticipated through clinical use of apremilast, this
finding is not considered to be of clinical relevance. The applicant has presented the incidence of rotated
hindlimbs in the combined fertility and embryo-fetal development study in mice as both litter incidence
and fetal incidence to account for the increased embryo-fetal mortality observed at higher doses. It was
agreed by the CHMP that the fetal incidence did not increase in a dose-dependent manner and the values
were generally within the incidences observed historically at the testing facility or just slightly outside of
the upper end (2.1%) of the historical control range. The applicant’s conclusion that this finding was not
toxicologically meaningful is accepted by the CHMP.
In a juvenile mouse study, apremilast was associated with increased mortality within the first week of
treatment. Over 90 days treatment was generally well tolerated, indicating that animals were initially
more susceptible to treatment. The study did not highlight any toxicities specific to juvenile animals. Local
tolerance and phototoxicity studies did not indicate potential safety concerns. Metabolites of apremilast
are toxicologically qualified based on their presence in mouse and monkey in the general toxicity studies.
The potential for immunotoxicity was discussed by the applicant, and was assessed in the context of the
repeat dose studies above. Overall the effects on the immune system was generally sufficiently
characterised in the existing nonclinical package, notwithstanding concerns in monkeys.
Based on the 8-fold lower PDE4 inhibition of CC-10007, adverse effects of the R-enantiomer due to
exaggerated pharmacology are not expected. A comparative toxicity study in female rats demonstrated
that CC-10007 did not cause the general toxic effects associated with the apremilast. In order to qualify
the impurity RC6 in the in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay, apremilast was spiked with 5% w/w
RC6, which gave a maximum concentration of 250 µg/plate (5000 µg apremilast/plate). However, as
precipitate was seen at the highest concentration, the RC6 impurity may not have been tested at 250
µg/plate, which is the detection limit for most relevant mutagens in the Ames test (Kenyon et al., Reg Tox
& Pharm, 2007, 75-86; Questions and answers on the 'Guideline on the limits of genotoxic impurities
(EMA/CHMP/SWP/431994/2007 Rev. 3)). During the procedure, the applicant clarified that the impurity
RC6 was qualified based on its presence in the mouse carcinogenicity study and the in vitro Ames test.
Given that RC6 is also the animal metabolite M7, the impurity exposure in the carcinogenicity is expected
to be 2-3 fold greater than the level in humans at 30 mg BID. Therefore, in line with ICH M7, the impurity
is considered qualified as it was present at a greater concentration than will be achieved from exposure
through the drug substance. The applicant’s justification is acceptable to the CHMP.
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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A Phase I and Phase IIa environmental risk assessment was performed. Apremilast is not expected to
pose a risk to the environment. The applicant will submit the GLP-compliant study of appropriate design
to determine the partition coefficient of apremilast, and an updated Environmental Risk Assessment
(ERA) inclusive of the updated value.
2.3.7. Conclusion on the non-clinical aspects
In vitro pharmacological characterisation determined apremilast to be a potent and selective inhibitor of
PDE4 highly selective inhibition over other PDE enzyme subtypes and various enzymes and kinases. As
the proposed anti-inflammatory mechanism involves increased intracellular cAMP levels leading to
modulation of CREB/ATF-1 transcription factors and downstream inflammatory mediators, in vitro activity
endpoints focused on effects on gene and protein expression of these pre- and anti-inflammatory
mediators. Generally in stimulated whole blood cells, PBMCs and primary T-cells, apremilast inhibited
TNF-α and IL-12 production and increased IL-10 production. In vitro findings are supported by efficacy in
in vivo disease models of inflammation including rodent models of arthritis and psoriasis.
Safety pharmacology studies did not indicate a CNS or respiratory safety concern, or effects on
gastrointestinal motility, at clinically relevant doses. In dogs apremilast was associated with
dose-dependent increase in heart rate and left ventricular maximum rate of change, and decreased RR
and QT intervals, although QTc was unchanged. In vitro hERG inhibition assays revealed no clinically
relevant risk of QTc prolongation.
The pharmacokinetics of apremilast has generally been well characterised by the applicant.
Based on the small safety margins (1.3 and 1.4 for mice and monkeys respectively) in reproductive and
developmental toxicity studies and that psoriatic arthritis and chronic plaque psoriasis are not
life-threatening conditions and that other treatments are available or that treatment could be
modified/deferred/avoided, the CHMP considered that apremilast should be contra-indicated during
pregnancy in line with sections 8.2.1.2 and 8.2.1.3 of the Guideline on Risk assessment of Medicinal
Products on Human Reproduction and Lactation: From Data to Labelling (EMEA/CHMP/203927/2005).
This was agreed by the applicant and the product information has been updated accordingly.
2.4. Clinical aspects
2.4.1. Introduction
GCP
The Clinical trials were performed in accordance with GCP as claimed by the applicant.
The applicant has provided a statement to the effect that clinical trials conducted outside the community
were carried out in accordance with the ethical standards of Directive 2001/20/EC.
•
Tabular overview of clinical studies
The Apremilast clinical development program for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis comprises one Phase
2 study (Study PSA 001) and four Phase 3 studies: PSA-002, PSA-003, PSA 004, and PSA-005.
The three replicate pivotal Phase 3 studies (PSA-002, PSA 003, and PSA-004) are conducted in subjects
with inadequate response or intolerance to small-molecule DMARDs and/or biologic DMARDs. The
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
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supportive study PSA-005 evaluated apremilast as a monotherapy. All 4 studies are in the long-term
extension phase. The 52-week data from the three pivotal Phase 3 studies (PSA-002, PSA 003, and
PSA-004) and 24-week data from the fourth Phase 3 study (PSA-005) are included in this submission.
Studies PSA 002, PSA 003, and PSA 004 are considered to be pivotal studies.
Phase 2 study
Study
Number
No. of
Centres
PSA-001
38
(1)
No. of
Subjects:
Randomized
/ Completed
(2)
/ Dropouts
204
randomized
165 completed
Treatment
Phase
39 withdrew
prior to end of
Treatment
Phase
Population /
Design / Control
Route
and
regimen
Population:
Subjects with active
PsA; concomitant
MTX allowed.
Treatment groups
stratified by baseline
MTX use.
Treatment Phase:
R, D-B, P-C, P-G
study.
Duration: 84 days
Following completion
of Treatment Phase,
placebo subjects
re-randomized to
APR 20 BID or
APR 40 QD.
Extension Phase: R,
DB active treatment,
PG study.
Duration: 84 days
Oral
dosing
APR 40
QD: 10
mg QD on
Days 1-3,
20 mg
QD on
Days 4-7,
40 QD
on Days
8-85.
APR 20
BID: 10
mg QD on
Days 1-3,
20 mg
QD on
Days 4-7,
20 mg
BID on
Days
8-85.
Subject
Demographics:
Sex
Mean Age
Race
107 male, 97
female
50.6 years
(range, 21 – 81
years)
Primary
Endpoint
Modified
ACR 20(3)
at Day 85
197 white,
3 Asian/Pacific
Islander,
1 black,
1 Hispanic,
2 other
Three Pivotal Phase 3 studies
Study
Number
No. of
Centres
PSA-002
02 Jun
2010 –
LTE
Ongoing
(Last
subject’s
Week 52
visit:
02 Oct
2012)
83
(1)
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
No. of
Subjects:
Randomized
/
Completed
(2)
/
Dropouts
504
randomized
470
completed
Wk 16 visit
444
completed
Wk 24 visit
373
completed
Wk 52 visit
131 withdrew
prior to Wk
52
Population /
Design / Control
Route and
Regimen
Subject
Demographics:
Sex
Mean Age
Race
Primary
Endpoint
Population:
Subjects with active
PsA and inadequate
response to ≥ 1
small-molecule or
biologic DMARD;
concomitant
small-molecule
DMARDs allowed.
Treatment groups
stratified for
baseline DMARD
use.
Placebo-Controlled
Phase: : R, D-B,
P-C, P-G study.
Oral dosing
APR 20
BID:
Titration by
10 mg per
day in
divided
doses: 10
mg on Day
1, 20 mg
on Day 2,
30 mg on
Day 3, 40
mg on Day
4 and
thereafter.
249 male,
255 female
Modified
ACR 20d
at Week
16
50.4 years
(range, 19 – 83
years)
455 white,
24 Asian,
3 Native
Hawaiian/ Pacific
Islander,
3 American
Indian/ Alaska
Native,
2 black,
17 other
Page 69/189
Duration: 24 weeks
Following
completion of
Placebo-Controlled
Phase, placebo
subjects
re-randomized to
APR 20 BID or APR
30 BID.
Extension Phase:
R, DB, PG study.
Duration: 236
weeks
PSA-003
27 Sep.
2010 –
LTE
Engoan
(Last
subject’s
Week 52
visit: 27
DEC
2012
84
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
488
randomized
(4 not
treated (e)
448
completed
Wk 16 visit
428
completed
Wk 24 visit
361
completed
Wk 52 visit
127 withdrew
prior to Wk
52
Population:
Subjects with active
PsA and inadequate
response to ≥ 1
small-molecule or
biologic DMARD;
concomitant
small-molecule
DMARDs allowed.
Treatment groups
stratified for
baseline DMARD
use.
Placebo-Controlled
Phase: R, D-B, P-C,
P-G study.
Duration: 24 weeks
Following
completion of
Placebo-Controlled
Phase, placebo
subjects
re-randomized to
APR 20 BID or APR
30 BID.
Extension Phase:
R, DB, PG study.
Duration: 236
weeks
APR 30
BID:
Titration by
10 mg per
day in
divided
doses: 10
mg on Day
1, 20 mg
on Day 2,
30 mg on
Day 3, 40
mg on Day
4, 50 mg
on Day 5,
60 mg on
Day 6 and
thereafter,
in divided
doses.
Oral dosing
APR 20
BID:
Titration by
10 mg per
day in
divided
doses: 10
mg on Day
1, 20 mg
on Day 2,
30 mg on
Day 3, 40
mg on Day
4 and
thereafter.
APR 30
BID:
Titration by
10 mg per
day in
divided
doses: 10
mg on Day
1, 20 mg
on Day 2,
30 mg on
Day 3, 40
mg on Day
4, 50 mg
on Day 5,
60 mg on
Day 6 and
thereafter,
in divided
doses.
209 male,
275 female
50.9 years
(range, 19 – 80
years)
460 white
13 Asian
4 black
6 other
1 missing
Modified
ACR 20d
at Week
16
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PSA-004
30 Sep
2010–
LTE
Ongoing
(Last
subject’s
Week 52
visit:
28 Jan
2013
78
505
randomized
469
completed
Week 16 visit
438
completed
Week 24 visit
368
completed
Week 52
137 withdrew
prior to Week
52
Population:
Subjects with active
PsA and inadequate
response to ≥ 1
small-molecule or
biologic DMARD;
≥ 1 qualifying
psoriasis lesion ≥ 2
cm; concomitant
small-molecule
DMARDs allowed.
Treatment groups
stratified for
baseline DMARD
use and extent of
psoriasis (BSA).
Placebo-Controlled
Phase: R, D-B, P-C,
P-G study.
Duration: 24 weeks
Following
completion of
Placebo-Controlled
Phase, placebo
subjects
re-randomized to
APR 20 BID or APR
30 BID.
Extension Phase: :
R, DB, PG study.
Duration: 236
weeks
PSA-005
09 Dec
2010 –
LTE
Ongoing
(Last
subject’s
Week 24
visit: 14
Jan
2013)
99
528
randomized
(1 not
treated)(f)
500
completed
Week 16 visit
471
completed
Week 24 visit
57 withdrew
prior to Week
24
Population:
Subjects with active
PsA previously
untreated with
DMARDs.
R, D-B, P-C, P-G
study.
Duration: 24 weeks
Following
completion of
Placebo-Controlled
Phase, placebo
subjects
re-randomized to
APR 20 BID or APR
30 BID.
Extension Phase: :
R, DB, PG study.
Duration: 236
weeks
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
Oral dosing
APR 20
BID:
Titration by
10 mg per
day in
divided
doses: 10
mg on Day
1, 20 mg
on Day 2,
30 mg on
Day 3, 40
mg on Day
4 and
thereafter.
APR 30
BID:
Titration by
10 mg per
day in
divided
doses: 10
mg on Day
1, 20 mg
on Day 2,
30 mg on
Day 3, 40
mg on Day
4, 50 mg
on Day 5,
60 mg on
Day 6 and
thereafter,
in divided
doses.
Oral dosing
APR 20
BID:
Titration by
10 mg per
day in
divided
doses: 10
mg on Day
1, 20 mg
on Day 2,
30 mg on
Day 3, 40
mg on Day
4 and
thereafter.
APR 30
BID:
Titration by
10 mg per
day in
divided
doses: 10
mg on Day
1, 20 mg
on Day 2,
236 male,
269 female
49.7 years
(range, 18 – 77
years)
482 white
15 Asian
2 black
1 Native
Hawaiian/ Pacific
Islander
5 other
Modified
ACR 20d
at Week
16
250 male, 277
female
49.4 years
(range, 18 – 77
years)
520 white
3 Asian
1 American
Indian/ Alaska
Native
3 other
Modified
ACR 20d
at Week
16
Page 71/189
30 mg on
Day 3, 40
mg on Day
4, 50 mg
on Day 5,
60 mg on
Day 6 and
thereafter,
in divided
doses.
ACR 20 = American College of Rheumatology 20% response; APR = apremilast; BID = twice daily; BSA = body surface area; DMARD
= disease-modifying antirheumatic drug; LTE = active-treatment/long-term safety phase; MTX = methotrexate; PsA = psoriatic
arthritis; QD = daily. R=Randomised; D-B= Double blind; P-C= placebo controlled; P-G =parallel group
a
Number of centers with subjects enrolled.
b
Start date = first randomized subject's screening date. Completion date (unless ongoing) = last subject's last visit date (on-site visit
or follow-up phone call).
c
Completed all treatment phases of the study (i.e., early withdrawal during follow-up period is not considered non-completion).
d
Modified ACR 20, defined as ≥ 20% improvement in 78- and 76-joint count of tender and swollen joints, respectively, and a ≥ 20%
improvement in 3 of the following 5 assessments: patient’s (subject’s) global assessment of disease activity (PGA), evaluator’s
(physician’s) global assessment of disease activity (EGA), subject’s assessment of pain, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability
Index (HAQ-DI), or C-reactive protein (CRP).
e
Four subjects were randomized in error, were not dispensed investigational product, and are excluded from the Full Analysis
Set for Study PSA-003.f One subject was randomized in error, was not dispensed investigational product, and is excluded from the Full
Analysis Set for Study PSA-005.
2.4.2. Pharmacokinetics
The PK of apremilast was investigated in 16 clinical pharmacology studies, and eight phase 2 or 3 studies
including subjects with PsA, PSOR or RA.
Based on the intensive and sparse data from these studies, the disposition characteristics of apremilast,
in terms of absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination (ADME), have been derived. Intrinsic
factors of hepatic or renal impairment, age, sex, ethnicity, and disease type and their potential impact on
PK have also been investigated as well as extrinsic factors including concomitant use with CYP3A4
inhibitors/inducers, methotrexate (MTX) and the oral contraceptive (OC). Finally, an investigation of the
potential of apremilast to prolong QT interval completes the package.
The concentration of CC-10004 (Apremilast) and its metabolites, CC-16793 [M14], CC-16557 [M16] and
CC-16166 [M12]) in acidified lithium heparin human plasma was determined using LC-MS/MS. Sample
preparation involved liquid/liquid extraction prior to analysis.
Absorption
Apremilast is a low solubility compound with a measured solubility of 10.8 – 14.5 µg/ml over the pH range
1 to 8. Data from a mass balance study PK-002 (and an absolute bioavailability/regional absorption study
CP-012) have indicated that apremilast is rapidly and well absorbed following oral administration, with a
tmax of 1- 3 hours and absolute bioavailability of around 73%. CP-012 has also shown that while oral
absorption of apremilast occurs at all regions of GI tract, as might be expected, the major site of
absorption (93 %) is the proximal small bowel. Food does not affect oral absorption (CP-022) and kinetics
are linear with the area under the curve (AUC) increasing in a dose-proportional manner up to 50 mg BID
(or 80 mg QD), which therefore encompasses the proposed therapeutic dose.
Bioavailability
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Data from Study CC-10004-PK-002 and Study CC-10004-PK-012 showed that in healthy subjects,
apremilast is rapidly absorbed following oral administration along the entire gastrointestinal tract, with an
average absolute bioavailability of approximately 73%. T max was between 1 and 3 hours.
The mean total urinary and faecal radioactive recovery of CC-10004 (and its metabolites) was 97.1%,
with mean contributions of 57.9% and 39.2% from urine and faeces, respectively.
Study CC-10004-CP-022 demonstrated that oral absorption of apremilast occurs at all regions of the GI
tract. By delivering apremilast as a particulate formulation to the proximal small bowel, distal small bowel
and colon, the relative bioavailability for each of these regions of the GIT were 90%, 77% and 51%
respectively.
Relative Bioequivalence
One study (CC-1004-BA-001) was designed to compare bioavailability of apremilast capsules made with
milled API relative to that of apremilast capsules made with micronized API, under both fasting and fed
conditions.
In the fasting state AUC and C max for the micronized capsules were significantly higher than for the milled
capsules. AUC was 17% less and C max was 22% less in the milled versus the micronized capsules. Also in
the fed state C max was significantly higher for the micronized capsules, although AUC was comparable.
Another study (CC-1004-BA-002) was designed to compare the bioavailability of apremilast delivered as
an oral 40 mg tablet to that of two 20 mg apremilast capsules under both fed and fasting conditions. The
results of this study are listed in the table 16 below.
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Table 16: Summary of PK results
Influence of food
Study CC-10004-CP-022 examined the effect of food on the absorption of a single 30mg dose of
apremilast in healthy subjects and demonstrates that concentration versus time profiles were similar in
both fed and fasted conditions. The 90% CIs of the geometric mean ratios for AUC and C max of fed versus
fasted were within the range 80-125%. Table 17 below gives a summary of the PK parameters measured,
and Table 18 provides some statistical analysis.
17
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Table 18: Statistical Analysis of Plasma Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Apremilast (PK
Population)
18
Distribution
After IV administration, the mean volume of distribution was 87L (Study CC-10004-CP-012). Apremilast
is moderately bound to plasma proteins at 68%.
Elimination
•
Excretion
Apremilast is mainly eliminated as metabolites formed via both cytochrome P450 mediated oxidative
metabolism and non CYP mediated hydrolysis. Less than 3% of the dose excreted in urine and less than
7% of the dose excreted in faeces is unchanged apremilast. Following IV administration apremilast has a
mean total clearance of approximately 10L/hour and a terminal half life of approximately 6 to 9 hours.
•
Metabolism
ADME Study CC-10004-PK-002 characterised the pharmacokinetic profile of a single oral 20 mg
suspension dose of apremilast in healthy male subjects, and found that in line with in vitro findings,
apremilast was extensively metabolised into multiple metabolites. Up to 23 metabolites were recovered in
urine and faeces. The major metabolic route was O- demethylation, with 50% of the dose metabolised
this way. Other metabolic paths include O- deethylation, N -deacetylation, hydroxylation, hydrolysis of
the imide ring and various combinations of these pathways. CYP3A4, CYP1A2 and CYP2A6 all participate
in apremilast metabolism, however it appears that CYP3A4 is the main CYP enzyme involved. Other
isozymes such as CYP2A6 and CYP1A2 seem to play a much less prominent role, but may compensate in
the event of CYP3A4 inhibition.
•
Inter-conversion
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Study CC- 10004-PK-005 which primarily evaluated the influence of multiple doses of ketoconazole on the
pharmacokinetics of apremilast in healthy adult males also examined for the presence of CC-10007, the
R- enantiomer. The study concluded that the R- enantiomer was not present in plasma or urine in any
quantifiable amount.
•
Pharmacokinetics of metabolites
The PK parameters for apremilast and its main metabolites are outlined in table 19 below.
All of the main metabolites are pharmacologically inactive.
The two pharmacologically active metabolites M7 and M17 accounted for less than 1% of the apremilast
plasma exposure, and are not anticipated to contribute to the pharmacodynamic effect.
19
Dose proportionality and time dependency
•
Dose proportionality
Apremilast demonstrated consistent and comparable dose-proportional exposure in healthy subjects
across all the clinical pharmacology studies to 50mg BD or 80mg OD.
In one clinical pharmacology study in subjects with RA or PsA (CC-10004-PK-010) and five phase 2 and
3 studies in subjects with PsA, psoriasis, or RA, apremilast exposure was consistent and comparable,
although apremilast exposure does appear to be approximately 40% higher in subjects with PsA,
psoriasis, or RA versus healthy subjects.
•
Time dependency
The pharmacokinetics of ascending multiple oral dosing of apremilast was evaluated in 2 healthy
volunteer studies (Studies CC-1004-PK-001 and CC-1004-PK-007). Apremilast displayed rapid
absorption with maximum plasma concentrations occurring at a median t max of 1 to 3 hours. Following
C max the plasma concentrations declined in an apparent biphasic manner. The mean apparent half life was
estimated to be 5 to 7 hours. Steady state was achieved within 24 hours of the start of multiple dosing.
Doses up to 40 mg daily did not appear to cause accumulation. There was slight accumulation at 40 mg
BD and above. Systemic exposure increased in a dose proportional manner across all doses.
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Intra- and inter-individual variability
An objective of 5 Phase 2 and 3 trials was to determine sources of variability in PK parameters. Each of
these studies suggested that apremilast exhibits moderate inter subject variability. Between subject
variability ranges from approximately 33-43% for CL/F (apparent clearance), and 20-43% for Vc/F
(apparent central volume of distribution) were observed. Intrasubject variability for AUC for 6 of the
clinical pharmacology studies ranged from 7.7% to 18.6%. For the 2 studies presented where only
apremilast was administered, the intrasubject variability for AUC was less than 10%.
Pharmacokinetics in target population
Special populations
•
Impaired renal function
Study CC- 1004-CP- 019 was carried out to examine the pharmacokinetics of apremilast and its major
metabolite M12 in subjects with severe renal impairment and normal renal function. This was a two
centre, open label, single dose study. Severe renal impairment was taken as those subjects with an eGFR
≤30 mL/min/1.73 m2, and normal renal function was defined as eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2. There were
8 subjects enrolled with severe renal impairment and these were compared to 8 healthy subjects with
normal renal function. Both groups were comparable in terms of age, gender and weight within
reasonable limits. All subjects received a single dose of 30 mg apremilast. Blood samples were taken at
incremental timepoints from pre dose until 72 hours post dose. These samples were analysed for both
apremilast and M12 concentrations. Non compartmental methods were used to calculate the following
pharmacokinetic parameters: AUC 0-t, AUC 0-inf , C max , t max , and t 1/2, CL/F, Vz/F.
In severe renal impairment systemic clearance and the volume of distribution for apremilast were
decreased by 46.9% and 32.7% respectively, and t 1/2 was increased by 2.5 hours. The decrease in
clearance resulted in an increase in AUC of 88.5% and an increase in C max of 41.6%. T max appeared to be
unaffected by renal function, and was 3 hours in both the severe renal impairment group and the normal
renal function group.
In terms of the pharmacokinetics of the M12 metabolite, the differences were more pronounced. T 1/2 was
prolonged by 62% (10.5 hours). The decrease in clearance resulted in an increase in AUC of 191.5% and
an increase in C max of 42.9%.
Simulations have suggested that 30 mg QD produces apremilast exposure comparable to a 30mg BD dose
in those with normal renal function. A single dose of 30 mg apremilast also appeared to be well tolerated
in subjects with severe renal impairment, and their demographically matched subjects with normal renal
function. Pooled population PK analysis from 86 subjects with mild and moderate renal impairment has
been provided, and this did not show a correlation between creatinine clearance and apremilast
clearance.
•
Impaired hepatic function
The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of apremilast and its major metabolite M12 was
evaluated in human subjects with moderate hepatic impairment and severe hepatic impairment, and
compared to age-gender matched volunteers with normal hepatic function and of similar weight (Study
CC-10004-CP-011). A total of 32 subjects (male and female) were enrolled; of these 8 had severe hepatic
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impairment, 8 had mild hepatic impairment and 16 had normal hepatic function. The degree of hepatic
impairment was measured according to the Child Pugh classification. Each subject in the moderate
hepatic impairment group received a single 30 mg oral dose of apremilast, while a reduced single dose of
20 mg was administered to the severe hepatic impairment group for safety reasons. Safety was also
monitored including laboratory tests, ECG, and examination.
For the moderately impaired group, both apremilast and M12 plasma profiles were overall similar in
shape, with slightly higher concentrations seen in the healthy subjects. For the severely impaired group,
both apremilast and M12 concentrations were again overall similar in shape.
•
Gender
Study CC-10004-CP-024 was designed to evaluate the effects of age and gender on apremilast exposure
after a single dose of 30 mg apremilast in healthy adults. Eligible healthy elderly and young subjects were
matched by sex and BMI and received a single apremilast 30 mg tablet under fasting conditions.
Some sex differences in apremilast pharmacokinetics were noted. Both AUCt and AUC0-∞ were greater in
female subjects compared to male subjects by 28% and 31% respectively. Tmax was 2.75 hours in the
female subjects versus 2.5 hours in the male subjects. Apremilast t1/2 was also increased by 28% in
females compared to males and had a reduced clearance (11.2L/h v 8.57L/h). The sex differences
between males and females in terms of apremilast pharmacokinetics were even more pronounced in the
elderly population. Apremilast exposure was approximately 30-50% higher in elderly females than in
young and elderly males and young females.
Because the overall exposure (AUC0-∞ ) in elderly and female subjects are within the AUC 0-tau range
evaluated at 30mg BID in the phase 2 study (CC-10004-PSOR-005), the effect of gender is considered not
to be clinically meaningful.
The effect of gender on the pharmacokinetics of apremilast was also examined in psoriasis patients in one
of the pivotal phase 3 clinical studies: CC-1004-PSOR-008-PK. This also revealed an overall reduction in
apparent clearance of apremilast in females in the order of 31%. Gender was identified as a statistically
significant covariate on apremilast clearance.
•
Race
The effect of race on pharmacokinetics was examined specifically in one pharmacokinetic study: Study
CC-1004-CP-018. A total of 36 healthy subjects were enrolled, 12 subjects from each of the following
ethnicities: Japanese, Chinese and Caucasian. The subjects were matched within acceptable limits for age
and body mass index. A single dose of either apremilast 20 mg or apremilast 40 mg was compared to
placebo. Sequential blood samples were taken up to 48 hours after the dose. AUC 0-t, AUC 0-inf and C max
appear to be dose proportional for both 20 mg and 40 mg single doses for each of the 3 ethnicities
studied. The geometric mean AUC 0-t, AUC 0-inf and C max were in the range of 5.5% to 19.49% less in the
Japanese and Chinese groups compared to the White groups.
•
Weight
Body weight was a statistically significant covariate on apremilast apparent clearance in one population
PK analysis, PK-10004-RA-002-PK. Simulations under steady- state with 20mg BD, 30mg BD and 40mg
OD regimens of apremilast for the 10th and 90th percentiles for weight were performed in men and women.
The subjects with a lower percentile of body weight presented maximum concentrations slightly higher
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than subjects with the upper 90th percentile weight, but that the difference was within the expected
margin for inter subject variation.
•
Elderly
Study CC-10004-CP- 024 was designed to evaluate the effects of age and gender on apremilast exposure
after a single dose of 30 mg apremilast in healthy adults. With regard to age, t max was comparable
between the elderly (mean age 70 +/- 4.15 years), and the younger (mean age 34.3+/-7.17 years)
groups at 2.5 hours. AUC exposure was 13% higher in the elderly healthy group compared to the young
healthy group (not statistically significant). However the difference was more pronounced when further
analysed for gender. Young and elderly females combined had an AUC 30% higher than in young and
elderly combined males. AUC was approximately 30-50% higher in elderly females than young and
elderly males and young females combined.
Pharmacokinetic interaction studies
•
In vitro
In vitro studies have been conducted to examine the role of CYP isozymes in the oxidative metabolism of
apremilast. The potential inhibitory and inductive effects of apremilast on CYP activities in vitro were also
evaluated. In vitro study results demonstrated that apremilast does not inhibit or induce any major
CYP450 isozymes (CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, and
CYP2C8) at clinically-relevant drug levels. These results suggested that when co administered, apremilast
is not likely to interact with drugs metabolized by the major CYP450 isozymes and transporters.
Apremilast was also evaluated in vitro as a potential inhibitor of P-glycoprotein, BCRP, OAT1, OAT3,
OCT2, OATP1B1 and OATP1B3. Additionally apremilast was evaluated as a potential inhibitor of MRP1,
MRP2, MRP3, MRP4 and MRP8 in vitro. Apremilast does not inhibit transporters including P-gp, BCRP,
OAT1, OAT3, MRP1, MRP2, MRP4, OCT2, OATP1B1, or OATP1B3 at a concentration range of up to at least
five times more than the C max of the target clinical dose of 30 mg BID (CC-10004-DMPK-027,
CC-10004-DMPK-036, and CC-10004-DMPK-040).
•
In vivo
Specific interaction studies were carried out for ketoconazole, rifampin, methotrexate and norgestimate
(NGM) and ethinyl estradiol (EE).
Ketoconazole Interaction Study- CC-10004-PK-005
The potential for a drug-drug interaction between apremilast and ketoconazole was examined in Study
CC-10004-PK-005. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of multiple doses of
ketoconazole (a known potent CYP3A4 inhibitor and P-gp inhibitor) on the single-dose PK of apremilast.
Co-administration with ketoconazole increased apremilast mean AUC by approximately 36% (weak
inhibitory effect of ketoconazole) and Cmax by 5%. The 90% CI of AUC was 126.2% to 147.49%, indicating
that this was a statistically significant increase in apremilast exposure.
Rifampin Interaction Study- CC-10004-CP-025
As a strong inducer of CYP3A4, rifampin was specifically studied for drug- drug interactions with
apremilast in healthy subjects. Apremilast alone was compared to apremilast administered after multiple
oral doses of rifampin, and apremilast delivered with a single IV dose of rifampin. Co-administration
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following pre-treatment with multiple once daily oral doses of rifampin increased apremilast apparent
clearance from 9.6 L/h to 34.5 L/h, which resulted in a decrease in apremilast mean AUC (approximately
72% lower) and Cmax (approximately 43% lower) relative to that of apremilast given alone.
Methotrexate Interaction Study- CC-10004-PK-010
Study CC-10004-PK-010 was designed to determine any effect of apremilast on the exposure of
methotrexate or its metabolite 7-OH MTX, as well as any potential effect of methotrexate on apremilast
exposure on patients on stable doses of weekly methotrexate ( 10- 20 mg weekly) for the treatment of
psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Norgestimate (NGM) and ethinyl estradiol (EE) Interaction Study- CC-10004-CP-020
Study CC-10004-CP-020 was designed to evaluate the potential for drug-drug interactions between
combined oral contraceptives and apremilast. EE and NGM pharmacokinetic parameters were comparable
with and without apremilast treatment.
Exposure relevant for safety evaluation
Safety was examined as a secondary outcome in many of the clinical pharmacology studies. Apremilast
appeared to be well tolerated throughout.
Special populations
2.4.3. Pharmacodynamics
Mechanism of action
Apremilast, an oral small-molecule inhibitor of PDE4, works selectively and intracellularly to modulate a
network of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators. Apremilast works intracellularly to
modulate a network of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators. PDE4 is a cAMP-specific PDE
and the dominant PDE in inflammatory cells. PDE4 inhibition elevates intracellular cAMP, which in turn
down-regulates the inflammatory response by modulating the expression of TNF-α, IL-23, IL-17 and
other inflammatory cytokines. Elevation of cAMP also modulates anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as
IL-10, produced by endotoxin-stimulated mononuclear cells. A reduction in inducible nitric oxide synthase
was also observed. These pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators have been implicated in psoriasis and
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PsA. In psoriasis studies, apremilast also caused a reduction in the numbers of dendritic cells and T cells
infiltrating skin lesions.
Primary and Secondary pharmacology
Primary pharmacology
This has been investigated in studies PSOR-001, PSOR-004, PSA-002 and PSOR-009. In the PSOR
studies, APR treatment was associated with a decrease in dendritic cells and T cells infiltrating the skin
lesions, within the epidermis or the dermis. Also in both studies, a significant decrease in inducible nitric
oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression was observed in the lesion skin biopsies taken 2, 4, or 12 weeks
after treatment initiation. In PSOR-001, a decrease in the ability of whole blood to produce TNF-α in
response to endotoxin was observed 2 hours after dosing. PSOR-004 showed that APR decreased lesional
skin epidermal thickness and expression of pro-inflammatory genes, including iNOS, IL-12/IL-23p40,
IL-23p19, IL-17A, IL-22, and IL-8 while in PSOR-009-PD, changes in inflammatory biomarkers were
observed in the peripheral blood at Week 16. Treatment with APR at the proposed therapeutic dose of 30
mg BID also resulted in significantly lower percentage changes from baseline, compared to placebo, of
alpha 2 macroglobulin, IL-17, Regulated on Activation, Normal T cell Expressed and Secreted (RANTES)
as well as Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) plasma levels. In PSA-002-PD, the only PsA
study in which plasma protein biomarkers were examined, APR was associated with modulation of IL-1α,
IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, MIP-1β, TNF-α, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), ferritin, and a small increase in
von Willebrand factor (vWF) plasma protein levels (NB. vWF was within the normal range [<120 μg/mL]).
Among these, the changes in TNF-α and vWF were significantly associated with achieving an ACR20
clinical response.
Study PSA-002
In this Study PSA-002 a subset underwent PD evaluation. In a total of 150 subjects (placebo: N=51; APR
20 mg BID: N=51; and APR 30 mg BID: N=48) blood samples were taken for biomarker analysis. Of the
51 subjects randomised to treatment with placebo, 18 in the placebo/20 mg group and 14 in the
placebo/30 mg group early escaped to active treatment at Week 16. At Week 4, the first post-baseline
assessment, a significant (p<0.05) effect of APR treatment (20 mg BID or 30 mg BID) compared to
placebo was observed in the change and/or percentage change from baseline 4 for IL-8, MCP-1, MIP1-β,
MMP-3, and TNF-α. This effect was observed again at Week 16, the primary efficacy endpoint of the
clinical trial, for IL-8, MIP-1β, and MMP-3. At Week 16 (LOCF), significant (p < 0.050) differences in the
change from baseline, or in the percentage change from baseline compared with placebo were observed
in the APR 20 BID and/or APR 30 BID groups in IL-8, IL-6, IL-1α, IL-1β, TNF-α, ferritin, and vWF plasma
protein levels (CC-10004-PSA-002-PD). At Week 24 (LOCF), subjects in the APR 20 BID or APR 30 BID
group had significant (p < 0.050) changes compared to subjects treated with placebo in IL- 8, MCP-1,
MIP1-β, MMP-3, TNF-α, IL-6, ferritin, IL-2, and vWF plasma protein expression.
Analyses of the within-treatment biomarker changes from baseline over 40 weeks of treatment found that
16 of the 47 analytes (alpha-1 antitrypsin, complement C3, Eotaxin-1, Factor VII, von Willebrand factor,
ferritin, IL-10, IL-17, IL-1α, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-23, IL-6, IL-8, MIP- 1β, MMP-3, and TNF-α)
appeared to show meaningful changes from baseline based upon multiple criteria. Nine of the 16 analytes
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showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) percentage change from baseline at Week 40 in the APR 30
mg BID group (Eotaxin-1, Factor VII, Ferritin, IL-10, IL-17, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-23, IL-6,
MMP-3), including 5 that showed percentage changes that were also significant at Week 40 in the APR 20
mg BID group (Factor VII, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-23, IL-6, MMP-3).
PSOR-001
The PD objective of this study was to evaluate the PD effect of orally administered APR (2 X 10 mg once
daily [20 mg QD] awakening, when taken for 29 days, for reducing epidermal thickness in subjects with
severe plaque PSOR. Eight (53.3%; 95% CI [26.6, 78.7]) of the 15 subjects with evaluable skin biopsies
demonstrated
a ≥20% reduction in epidermal thickness at Day 29. Thus, the pre-specified protocol-defined definition of
a PD response was met.
Mean reduction from baseline in epidermal and dermal T cells at Day 29 was 18.6% and 23.4%,
respectively. Similar changes from baseline in epidermal and dermal CD83 and CD11c cells were
observed, although the mean change from baseline was not statistically significant for most parameters.
Several subjects with biomarkers present in psoriatic lesional biopsies at baseline showed an absence of
these markers at Day 29 (as would be expected in normal, non-psoriatic skin): ICAM-1 and filaggrin, 3
subjects; HLA-DR, 2 subjects; quantitative K16, 1 subject. Mean mRNA gene expression of most
psoriasis-related inflammatory markers, including iNOS (P < 0.0001) and K16+, was decreased at Day 29
relative to baseline.
APR had a statistically significant inhibitory effect on ex vivo whole blood LPS-stimulated TNF-α
production 2 hours after the first dose. In the 11 subjects with ex-vivo whole blood LPSstimulated TNF-α
data, all subjects (11/11) had an inhibition of the LPS-stimulated TNF-α production from predose to 2
hours postdose on Visit 2, whereas 7 out of 11 subjects had the inhibition of the LPS-stimulated TNF-α
production from pre-dose to 2 hours post-dose on Visit 6. On Visit 2 (Day 1), the mean % (SD) inhibition
of the LPS-stimulated TNF-α was -35.2 % (21.5%), ranging from -71.9% to -5.5% (negative sign
indicates inhibition). On Visit 6 (Day 29), the mean % (SD) inhibition of the LPS-stimulated TNF-α
production was -5.1% (35.9%), ranging from -43.0% to 79.7%. Inhibition of TNF-α production was also
noted after 2 hours post-dose at Day 29 but was not statistically significant, most likely because TNF-α
levels were already suppressed from the prior 29 days of therapy. Mean changes in CD19+,
CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and RO±/RA±T-cell subtypes were small with no consistent pattern over time.
Interestingly, 12 of 15 subjects experienced a decrease from baseline in the NK (CD16/56+) lymphocyte
population at the end of the study drug treatment period compared with pre-treatment (baseline) values.
Recent experimental evidence suggests that NK and NK T cells special populations are involved in the
pathogenesis of psoriasis as these cells produce INF-γ, which is the only cytokine identified thus far to play
a role in psoriasis keratinocyte proliferation (Bos, 2005). Fourteen of the 19 subjects (73.7%) enrolled in
the study demonstrated an improvement in their psoriasis symptoms, and 3 (17.6%) of the 17 subjects
with data at Day 29 had a > 50% reduction from baseline in their total PASI score (PASI-50). Nine
(52.9%) of the 17 subjects with an assessment at Day 29 had at least a 1-category improvement in the
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sPGA Average Overall Lesions Scale score relative to baseline. Ten (58.8%) of the 17 subjects with a
psoriasis BSA assessment at Day 29 showed an improvement relative to baseline.
Study PSOR-004
In PSOR-004, an open label study in subjects with recalcitrant plaque psoriasis treated with apremilast 20
mg BID, lesional skin biopsies from 20 subjects were evaluated at baseline, Week 4, and Week 12.
The intent of the biopsy analysis was to study the extent to which disease-related pathology is affected or
impacted by APR and to determine inflammatory pathways which are impacted by its administration in
skin lesions of plaque PSOR. This analysis extends a previous analysis in which drug-related effects in
PSOR skin lesions were analysed after 4 weeks of treatment (Study PSOR-001). The biopsies were
analysed in two ways:
•
Histologically- in H&E stained sections of skin biopsies after staining frozen sections of skin
biopsies with antibodies to keratin 16, CD3, CD11c, ICAM-1, Langerin, CD56, Foxp3, and
HLA-DR, including, therefore assessment of epidermal growth/differentiation, skin infiltration by
T-cells and DC subsets, presence of regulatory T-cells, and presence of inflammation-regulating
molecules in skin lesions.
•
mRNA abundance for a variety of inflammatory molecules-measured by real-time RT-PCR and
expression was normalized to the house-keeping gene HARP (human acidic ribosomal protein).
Histological Analysis
Of the 20 cases analysed, 19 showed active PSOR lesions in baseline biopsies.
One Subject had minimally reactive epidermis in the baseline lesional biopsy so did not meet histologic
criteria for active psoriasis at baseline biopsy. At Week 4, 10 subjects showed improvement in PSOR
based on a reduction in epidermal hyperplasia and/or a reduction in keratin 16 (K16), which is produced
only in reactive (hyperplastic) epidermis. Using all measured values of thickness, there was a median
23% reduction in epidermal thickness at Week 4 (P = 0.08 in a 2-sided Wilcoxon signed rank test).
Nine subjects showed histological disease improvement in Week 12 biopsies, with 5 subjects showing
absence of K16 staining, a marker for hyper-proliferative keratinocytes consistent with plaque PSOR. At
this time-point, the median reduction in epidermal thickness was 34% (P = 0.083). Hence, the
quantitative reduction in epidermal thickness was not significant for the group as a whole. Since
spontaneous improvement in psoriasis is rare, the fact that the 5 subjects became K16- (K16 negative) is
clinically meaningful. It was noted that improvement in the disease phenotype was more obvious at Day
29 in some cases and then there appeared to be an increase in PSOR disease activity at Day 85. A
summary of changes in histological staining in the dermis and epidermis, as well as epidermal thickness,
is provided in Table 20.
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Table 20: Summary of Percent Change from Baseline (Week 0) in Histological Parameters
from Skin Biopsy by Visit - Safety Population (PSOR-004)
CD11c marks myeloid dendritic cells (DC) in human skin. Normally, there is a resident population of
CD11c+ cells in the dermis, but psoriasis shows both an increase in dermal CD11c+ DCs and
inappropriate migration of CD11c+ cells into the epidermis of skin lesions. These myeloid DC are also
called TIP-DCs (TNF- and iNOS-producing DCs). As to the infiltrating CD11c+ myeloid DCs in these
biopsies, overall there was a major reduction in both the dermis and epidermis at both week 4 and week
12. Dermal CD11c+ DCs were reduced in Week 4 and Week 12 biopsies by -45.8% (P=0.001) and -54.6%
(P=0.018) respectively. Epidermal CD11c+ DC were reduced to an even greater degree, by -73.1% at
week 4 (P=0.002) and -88.6% at week 12 (P=0.001). There were also statistically significant reductions
in CD3+ T cells and CD56+ cells (NK cells or NK-T-cells) in the epidermis and dermis. Langerin, a marker
of Langerhans cells (LC), was slightly elevated in the epidermis but not the dermis, consistent with
normalisation of this cell population with effective therapy. In general, reductions in cellular infiltrates in
epidermis and dermis were numerically greater among responders (those with a change in PASI of 75%
or more at Week 12) than among non-responders.
The expression of inflammation-associated molecules ICAM-1 and HLA-DR was reduced in parallel with
disease improvement reflected by epidermal thickness or K16 staining. These are qualitative markers of
inflammation, so the change was not quantified and subjected to statistical analysis. Note that HLA-DR is
also expressed by skin-resident DCs, so there was appropriate residual staining for this molecule at Week
12.
To address whether inflammation is suppressed through increase T regulatory (Treg) cell presence in
psoriatic plaques, Treg cells were stained. The presence of Treg (Foxp3+) cells in the dermis of skin
lesions was reduced over time in parallel with reductions in T-cells.
Gene Expression Analysis of Response
Inflammatory markers assessed by mRNA levels included the chemokine CXCL9, human defensin beta 4
(DEFB4), IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-17a, IL-22, IL-8, K16, Mx-1, IL-12/23 p40, IL-23p19, iNOS, and TNF. These are
inflammatory molecules produced by activated DC populations, Th1, Th17, Th22 T-cells, and response
genes to interferon (Mx-1, CXCL9) or IL-17 (defensin). Keratin 16 is also measured by mRNA levels to
assess the epidermal response by an alternate means. All mRNA levels were normalized to the
house-keeping gene HARP (human acidic ribosomal protein).
At Week 12, there was a median reduction in K16 mRNA by 78% (P = 0.015), which is consistent with the
overall improvement of PSOR at this same time-point. The reduction in K16 mRNA was of a higher
magnitude than the reduction in epidermal thickness, as this keratin is produced only in reactive
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(hyperplastic) epidermis. Normal epidermis has a thickness value, so the maximal case for a thickness
reduction is to normal values.
From the histologic analysis, CD11c+ myeloid leukocytes showed more consistent reductions than T-cells
in lesions. From the genomic standpoint, iNOS, IL-12/IL-23p40, and IL-23p19 genes are products of
inflammatory (CD11c+) DCs. Normalized iNOS mRNA expression was reduced by 61% at Week 4 (P =
0.029) and by 100% at Week 12 (P = 0.008). While TNF mRNA level was reduced by 42.7%, this change
was not statistically significant; however, it was of sufficient magnitude to elicit clinical response. Another
TNF-induced gene in CD11c+ DCs is the IL-12/23 p40 gene. IL-12/23 p40 showed significant reductions
in Week 4 and Week 12 biopsies. The expectation of this reduction is that levels of IL-12 and/or IL-23
would be reduced, with subsequent reductions in Th1, Th17, and Th22 T-cell activation, followed by
reductions in downstream genes of IL-17 or interferon signaling. IL-17A mRNA levels were reduced by
49% at Week 12 (P = 0.031) and normalized IL-22 mRNA levels were reduced by 100% at Week 12 (P =
0.031). DEFB4 is a defensin-induced in keratinocytes by IL-17. Expression of DEFB4 was reduced by 55%
in Week 4 biopsies (P = 0.029) and by 82% in Week 12 biopsies (P = 0.014). IL-8 is also induced in
keratinocytes by IL-17. Expression of this inflammatory chemokine was reduced by 76% in Week 4
biopsies (P = 0.004) and by 66% in Week 12 biopsies (P = 0.018). The larger magnitude reduction in IL-8
(as compared to DEFB4), probably reflects the co-regulation of IL-8 by TNF and the fact that TNF signaling
is probably reduced by APR. Hence, a strong case can be made that the IL-23/Th17 & Th22 response
pathways were reduced in treated skin lesions. From the response pattern, it can also be inferred that TNF
signaling (production) is reduced by apremilast. In contrast, there is less evidence that Th1 T-cell
activation is strongly affected, as consistent reduction in IFN-γ and CXCL9 mRNA were not measured.
However, a consistent reduction in normalised MX-1 mRNA was observed in biopsies: median reduction of
51% at Week 4 (P = 0.008) and a reduction of 52% at Week 12 (P < 0.001).
At the cellular level, pathologic epidermal hyperplasia and production of K16 by epidermal keratinocytes
were reduced in Day 29 (Week 4) and Day 85 (Week 12) biopsies. The reduction in K16 mRNA was of
higher magnitude than reductions in epidermal thickness, as expected from known biology. One
demonstrated action of APR is suppression of TNF mRNA levels in vitro (Schafer, 2010). While a
statistically significant reduction in TNF mRNA levels in the skin was not observed in this clinical study,
there was a reduction of 42.7%, which was enough to elicit a clinical response. Overall, the results of this
study do show a large reduction in inflammatory DCs in psoriasis. CD11c+ DCs in PSOR have also been
called TIP-DCs (TNF- and iNOS-producing DCs). APR reduced overall numbers of CD11c+ DCs and, in
particular, pathologic infiltration of psoriatic epidermis by this cell set. Reductions in iNOS mRNA and p40
mRNA, along with reductions in Th17 and Th22 T-cell pathways were observed in these psoriasis lesions.
From the reductions in MX-1 levels, it is also likely that interferon levels are reduced as a direct or indirect
effect of APR. To identify changes in cellular infiltration or gene expression that correlate with changes in
PASI score, a correlation analysis was performed using the Spearman rank-order correlation method. A
significant correlation was observed between the decrease in CD56+ NK cells in the epidermis and the
decrease in the PASI score at week 4 (p = 0.009). A strong trend was observed between the decrease in
CD11c+ myeloid DC in the epidermis the decrease in PASI score at Week 4 (p = 0.052). For the
inflammatory gene expression, a significant correlation was observed between the decrease in PASI score
and the decrease in DEFB4 at Week 4 (p=0.005) and Week 12 (p = 0.009), IL-17A at Week 12 (p =
0.030), K16 at Week 4 (p < 0.001), MX-1 at Week 4 (p = 0.008), and IL-12/IL-23p40 at Week 4 (p =
0.033). These results suggest that K16, MX-1, and IL-12/IL-23p40 mRNA levels may reflect the early
effects in the mechanism of action of APR.
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PSOR-009
In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study in subjects with moderate to severe
plaque PSOR, PD analysis was carried-out in a subset of 100 out of approximately 405 randomised
subjects subjects to explore the relationship of APR to changes in plasma inflammatory biomarkers (47
inflammatory proteins). At selected time points, blood samples for PD analysis were obtained from the
subset i.e. at week 0 (baseline), and weeks 4, 16, 32, 36, 40, and 44. In contrast to Studies PSOR-001
and PSOR-004, wherein inflammatory markers were measured in the target tissue, in Study PSOR-009
they were measured in plasma.
At the time of the primary end-point, PASI-75 at Week 16 (last observation carried forward, LOCF),
compared to placebo, APR significantly reduced plasma levels of the following proteins: alpha 2
macroglobulin (p=0.0389), an acute phase reactant and coagulation factor overexpressed in psoriasis
patients; interleukin-17 (p=0.0454), a key driver of the Th17 immune responses which is central to PSOR
pathogenesis; chemokine (CC-motif) ligand 5 (CCL5/RANTES) (p=0.0102), a keratinocyte-derived
chemokine which is increased in psoriatic lesional skin, and; tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1
(TIMP-1) (p=0.0073), a Th1 and Th17 cell product that is abundantly expressed in psoriatic skin and
plasma. There were no significant associations between changes in these plasma proteins and clinical
response as measured by PASI-75 at week 16 (NRI or LOCF).
Secondary pharmacology
Study CC-1004-PK-008 was a randomised, double blinded, placebo controlled trial to determine the
potential for apremilast and its major metabolites to affect QT interval. The study was carried out in
healthy male subjects. Moxifloxacin was used as an open label positive control to assure the sensitivity of
the assay. As the clinically effective dose, 30 mg BD was chosen. A supra-therapeutic dose of 50mg BD
was also examined. There were no safety concerns arising from the study. All change from baseline QT
values for both the 30 mg BD and the 50mg BD doses were below 1ms, and the upper limit of the 90% CI
for both doses was well below 10 ms at all time points.
Relationship between plasma concentration and effect
Study PSOR-005, a Phase 2b dose-ranging study, supports the selection of the apremilast 30mg BD
therapeutic dose. In this study, 352 subjects were randomized to 4 treatment groups (placebo,
apremilast 10mg BD, 20mg BD, and 30mg BD). The response rates at Week 16 were 11.2% (p = 0.1846),
28.7% (p < 0.0001), and 40.9% (p < 0.0001) for the 10mg BD, 20mg BD, and 30mg BD treatment
groups, respectively, compared to the placebo (5.7%). A clear dose response was demonstrated across
the doses studied. No clinically significant safety signals were observed in either the 20mg BD or 30mg BD
groups.
2.4.4. Discussion on clinical pharmacology
One early study (CC-1004-BA-001) was designed to compare the bioavailabiltyof apremilast capsules
made with milled API that of apremilast capsules made with micronized API, under both fasting and fed
conditions. In the fasting state AUC and C max for the micronized capsules were significantly higher than
for the milled capsules. AUC was 17% less and C max was 22% less in the milled versus the micronized
capsules. Also in the fed state C max was significantly higher for the micronized capsules, although AUC
was comparable. The applicant stated that these results justify the selection of milled API in the
subsequent manufacturing of apremilast tablets. Since milled API was used throughout the clinical
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development programme, and in all the pivotal studies, failure to strictly meet BE limits is not clinically
significant. This was agreed by the CHMP.
Another early study (CC-1004-BA-002) was designed to compare the bioavailability of apremilast
delivered as an oral 40 mg tablet to that of 20 mg apremilast capsules under both fed and fasting
conditions. The applicant has concluded that either capsule or tablet formulation could be used in the
clinical studies. However in the fasting state the tablet resulted in a 13% increase over capsule
formulation for AUC and C max . The 90% CI for the least square mean ratio of tablets to capsules for both
C max (96.3;133.88) and AUC (100.16;126.09) lie outside the conventional bioequivalence limits of
80-125%. In the fed state, AUC lay within the conventional limits, however the 90% CI for C max was not
(106.96;149.85). Hence the bioequivalence of the tablet to the capsule was not been established.
However this study was performed early in the clinical development programme. All of the subsequent
major pivotal trials were performed with the milled tablet formulation, hence failure to strictly meet BE
limits is not clinically relevant.
CC-10004-RA-002-PK compared apremilast exposure data from healthy subjects with that of patients
with rheumatoid arthritis, and showed a 32% reduction in clearance in the RA group. The population PK
analyses of cumulative data in healthy subjects and subjects with PsA (studies CC-10004-PSA-001-PK
and CC-10004-PSA-002-PK combined) identified that subjects with PsA had approximately 36% slower
apremilast clearance than healthy subjects.
In Study CC-10004-PSOR-008-PK a pooled population PK analysis identified disease status and gender as
statistically significant covariates on the apparent clearance of apremilast. Overall apparent clearance
was 20% slower in patients with psoriasis than in healthy subjects. The apparent clearance of apremilast
in subjects with PsA, RA and psoriasis was calculated to be 7.34L/hour, 7.6L/hour and 7.4L/hour
respectively. This suggested that each of the inflammatory diseases confers a similar reduction in the
apparent clearance of apremilast. By comparison the clearance in healthy volunteers is approximately
10L/hour.
With regards to severe renal impairment (eGFR<30ml/min/1.73m2), the applicant recommended a
reduced dose of 30 mg once daily. This was agreed by the CHMP. Simulations have suggested that 30 mg
OD produces apremilast exposure comparable to a 30 mg BD dose in those with normal renal function. A
single dose of 30 mg apremilast also appeared to be well tolerated in subjects with severe renal
impairment, and their demographically matched subjects with normal renal function.
Pooled population PK analysis from 86 subjects with mild and moderate renal impairment has been
provided, and this did not show a correlation between creatinine clearance and apremilast clearance.
The applicant has also provided the results of a subsequent study of apremilast PK in mild and moderate
renal impairment that were not available at the time of the original submission, study CC-10004-CP-029.
The results of this study, although not statistically significant, supported the findings of the population PK
analysis in relation to mild and moderate renal impairment, and also supported the proposal not to dose
adjust for patients with mild and moderate renal impairment.
The applicant concluded that there is no evidence to suggest that the pharmacokinetics of apremilast and
its major metabolite M12 were affected by moderate or severe hepatic impairment at the doses evaluated
in this study, and consequently stated that there need not be dose adjustment for subjects with moderate
or severe hepatic impairment. The applicant extrapolated that no remarkable effect would be expected in
those with mild hepatic impairment given that no appreciable effect was noted in moderate and severe
hepatic impairment. This was agreed by the CHMP. The applicant will provide results of vitro studies to
evaluate M12 as an inhibitor of CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9 and 2D6, and as an inducer of CYP2B6 and CYP1A2
(as described in the RMP).
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Population PK analysis from a pivotal phase 3 psoriasis study CC-1004-PSOR-008-PK indicated that
overall, apparent clearance was approximately 31% lower in female subjects than in males, and that age
was not a statistically significant covariate on apparent total plasma clearance. However it is notable that
the number of patients included over the age of 75 years was small. The applicant discussed how the
increase in drug exposure in female and elderly subjects could result from their smaller mean body
weight. Because the overall exposure (AUC0-∞ ) in elderly and female subjects are within the AUC 0-tau
range evaluated at 30mg BID in the phase 2 study (CC-10004-PSOR-005), the effect of gender is
considered not to be clinically meaningful. The applicant reported that the exposure differences attributed
to gender were within the expected between subject variability for apparent clearance and hence
proposed that no dose adjustment based on sex is necessary. This was agreed by the CHMP.
With regard to the effect of race on pharmacokinetics, the applicant has performed analysis
based on combined apremilast pharmacokinetic parameters derived from non compartmental
analysis in various phase 1 studies in healthy subjects. This has indicated that apremilast
exposure is similar among Caucasian, Caucasian Hispanics, non-Caucasian Hispanics and
African American ethnicities.
Study CC-10004-PSOR-008-PK which included both healthy subjects and placebo patients, concluded
that body weight was not a significant covariate on apremilast clearance, and supported the
recommendation that dose adjustment is not required with respect to body weight.
The potential for a drug-drug interaction between apremilast and ketoconazole was examined in Study
CC-10004-PK-005. The applicant stated that this is not of clinical relevance based on the 50% to 200%
criterion defined a priori in the protocol. Widened confidence intervals were selected on the basis of safety
data available for apremilast dosing up to 100mg. The 90% CI of C max was 92.16% to 119.30%, and was
within the acceptance range of 80% to 125%. Therefore while ketoconazole did reduce the apparent
clearance of apremilast, and increase its AUC by 36%, this does not appear to be clinically meaningful.
This was agreed by the CHMP.
Data also showed that that apremilast exposure is decreased when administered concomitantly with
strong inducers of CYP3A4 (e.g., rifampicin) and that this may result in reduced exposure. The product
information has been updated accordingly and this was agreed by the CHMP.
The data also shown that MTX did not appear to affect apremilast exposure. Apremilast concentrations
reached steady state by Day 7, and its parameters were comparable with or without methotrexate,
suggesting that methotrexate can be given with apremilast without affecting apremilast exposure. The
product information has been updated accordingly and this was agreed by the CHMP.
The data from study CC-10004-CP-020 also shown that that combined oral contraceptives do not affect
apremilast exposure. The product information has been updated accordingly and this was agreed by the
CHMP.
Study CC-1004-PK-008 was a randomised, double blinded, placebo controlled trial to determine the
potential for apremilast and its major metabolites to affect QT interval. The study was carried out in
healthy male subjects. All change from baseline QT values for both the 30 mg BD and the 50mg BD doses
were below 1ms, and the upper limit of the 90% CI for both doses was well below 10ms at all time points.
The CHMP concluded that apremilast is not anticipated to cause any significant prolongation of the QT
interval up to the 50mg BD dose.
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2.4.5. Conclusions on clinical pharmacology
The absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of apremilast have been well characterised.
The effects of gender, age and body weight have been explored in population PK analysis, and the results
showed that dose adjustment is not required in each case. While the number of elderly subjects is limited
(particularly over 75 years) the analysis showed that any age related reduction in clearance is not
clinically significant. Gender and body weight were also examined by means of population PK analysis,
and did not emerge as significant covariates.
The recommendation to reduce the dose to 30 mg once daily in severe renal impairment is appropriate.
Sufficient data has also been provided to justify the recommendation not to dose adjust in patients with
mild and moderate renal impairment.
Drug- drug interactions have been addressed well overall, in particular in relation to the main CYP enzyme
involved, CYP3A4. The possibility of interactions in relation to CYP 1A2 and CYP 2A6 has been examined
and does appear not to be a concern. There are also studies underway to look at M12 as an inhibitor and
inducer of the CYP enzymes (as described in the RMP).
2.5. Clinical efficacy
2.5.1. Dose response studies
The active treatments, 20 mg and 30 mg BID APR, were chosen to be taken forward to Phase 3 on the
basis of nonclinical in vitro data (reports 5042-107 and 5424-11) and clinical pharmacology data from
studies PSA-001-PK and PSOR-005-PK (these study findings indicated that both APR 20 mg and 30 mg
BID maintained the level of APR above the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) for inhibition of
the production of the key cytokines in the pathogenesis of PsA (Schafer, 2010) i.e. TNF-α, IL-2, IL-8,
IL-12, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and MCP-1) and two Phase 2 trials (Study PSA-001 in PsA and Study
PSOR-005 in PSOR).
Within the clinical development programme, two Phase 2 trials (PSA-001 and PSOR-005) assessed the
efficacy and safety in PsA, compared to placebo, of APR 20 mg BID and 40 mg QD (once daily) over a 12
week period. On 20 mg active treatment, separation from placebo was seen as early as Week 4, with a
statistically significantly greater proportion of subjects on active treatment achieving an ACR 20 and ACR
50 response at Week 12. ACR 20 was 43.5% versus 11.8%; p <0.001 and ACR 50 was 17.4% versus
2.9%; p = 0.012 on active and placebo, respectively. In contrast, the APR 40 mg QD treatment group
achieved statistical significance, compared with placebo for only ACR 20 (35.8% versus 11.8%; p =
0.002) and not for ACR 50 (13.4% versus 2.9%; p=0.056 for active and placebo, respectively. Safety and
tolerability was comparable between the two dosing regimens. Based on these findings, i.e. greater
efficacy with comparable safety and tolerability, BID dosing was selected over QD dosing for the Phase 3
programme.
In the Phase 2 study (PSOR-005) in subjects with moderate to severe PSOR a clear dose response was
seen comparing 10, 20 and 30 mg BID. The primary endpoint of the study, the proportion of subjects
achieving a 75% or greater improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI-75 response) at
Week 16, was not seen at the 10 mg BID level but was statistically significant with both 20 and 30 mg BID
(28.7% and 40.9%, respectively, compared to 5.7% for placebo; p < 0.0001 for both comparisons).
Separation of the PASI-75 response between the active and placebo arms was seen by Week 4 with 30 mg
BID but was slower, being seen at Week 8, with the lower 20 mg dose.
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Apremilast was well tolerated at both doses, with no clinically important emergent safety signals and a
comparable safety profile. For both dose levels the Cmin exceeded the IC50 for inhibition of the
production of multiple PDE4-dependent cytokines (Schafer, 2010). Given the genetic and immunologic
association between psoriasis and PsA, the applicant considered it was reasonable to extrapolate from
these data in psoriasis and assume that a similar safety and efficacy profile would also apply to the PsA
population also.
Based on these findings, it was decided that 20 mg and 30 mg APR BID would be compared in Phase 3 for
PSA and 30mg BID was used for PSOR. This was agreed by the CHMP.
2.5.2. Main studies
PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS
The Apremilast clinical development program for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis comprises one Phase
2 study (Study PSA 001) and four Phase 3 studies (PSA-002, PSA-003, PSA 004 and PSA-005).
Studies PSA-002, PSA-003, and PSA-004 evaluated apremilast as a monotherapy or in combination with
small-molecule DMARDs, and Study PSA-005 evaluated apremilast as a monotherapy. Studies PSA-002,
PSA-003, and PSA-004 are ongoing and are considered pivotal to the proposed indication. The 24-week
placebo-controlled phase and the active-treatment phase up to Week 52 have been completed in each of
these studies. The studies are currently continuing in the active-treatment/long-term safety phase. Data
up to 52 weeks for these studies are included in this application. Data up to 24 weeks are described for
Study PSA-005.
Study PSA-002 (PALACE 1): A phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled,
parallel-group, efficacy and safety study of two doses of apremilast (CC-10004) in subjects with active
psoriatic arthritis.
Study PSA-003 (PALACE 2): A phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled,
parallel-group, efficacy and safety study of two doses of apremilast (CC-10004) in subjects with active
psoriatic arthritis.
Study PSA-004 (PALACE 3): A phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled,
parallel-group, efficacy and safety study of two doses of apremilast (CC-10004) in subjects with active
psoriatic arthritis and a qualifying psoriasis lesion.
Study PSA-005: A phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group,
efficacy and safety study of two doses of apremilast (CC-10004) in subjects with active psoriatic arthritis
who have not been previously treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
Methods
Each of these studies has a common, replicate, design which includes three treatment phases (Figure 1):
•
Treatment Phase 1: 24-weeks, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
•
Treatment Phase 2: randomised, double-blind active treatment phase of at least
28 weeks’ duration,
•
Treatment Phase 3: open-label, long-term safety phase of up to 4 years’ duration.
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The overall study duration of each study is 5 years.
An early escape provision was included in the study design. At Week 16 (the time of the primary
endpoint), all subjects whose TJC and SJC had both not improved by 20% were required to enter early
escape (EE) to blinded active treatment. Subjects in the APR 20 BID and APR 30 BID treatment groups
who met EE criteria continued to receive the same dose of apremilast to which they were originally
assigned, under blinded conditions. At Week 24, all subjects in the placebo group who had not entered EE
at Week 16 were rerandomized 1:1 in a blinded fashion to receive 20 mg BID or 30 mg BID apremilast
(PBO/20 crossover [XO] and PBO/30 XO treatment groups, respectively). Subjects who were already
receiving apremilast at Week 24 (i.e., those who were initially randomized to apremilast or who had
entered EE at Week 16) continued to receive their randomized treatments in a blinded fashion.
Figure 1 - Study Design Schematic (Studies PSA-002, PSA-003, PSA-004, PSA-005)
Study Participants
To be eligible for inclusion, subjects had to have a documented diagnosis of PsA (by any criteria) of ≥ 6
months’ duration in the pivotal Phase 3 studies (PSA-002, PSA-003, PSA-004) or ≥3 months’ duration in
Study PSA-005. In addition, in all four studies, subjects were required to meet CASPAR criteria at
screening and have active disease, as evidenced by ≥3 swollen and ≥3 tender joints. All subjects in Study
PSA-004 also had to have at least one qualifying psoriasis skin lesion ≥2 cm in addition to active PsA, and
subjects were stratified by baseline body surface area (BSA).
The eligibility criteria for the pivotal Phase 3 studies (PSA-002, PSA-003, and PSA-004) required subjects
to have been treated with small-molecule and/or biologic DMARD(s). The enrolment of subjects with
therapeutic failure to TNF blockers was limited to 10%. All subjects who had been on a small-molecule
DMARD (or combination DMARDs) for at least 4 months and were taking a stable dose for at least 4 weeks
prior to screening, were permitted to continue concurrent small-molecule DMARD(s) treatment (MTX,
LEF, and/or SSZ). Across the three PsA Phase 3 studies, approximately 65% (966/1493) of subjects were
taking permitted DMARDs (MTX, LEF, and/or SSZ) at baseline, with a median treatment duration of 21.8
months and 15.1 months on a stable dose. 96.2% (929/966) of subjects had at least 4 months of
continuous exposure at baseline. 75% of patients on DMARD were treated with methotrexate (MTX) and
on average were treated with MTX for 21 months and on a stable dose for 14 of those months. The
average dose of MTX was 15mg. Concomitant treatment with biologics, including TNF blockers, was
prohibited. Treatment assignments were stratified based on small-molecule DMARD use at baseline
(yes/no) and, in Study PSA-004, by baseline BSA involvement with psoriasis (<3% and ≥ 3%). Subjects
who had previously failed treatment with >3 agents for PsA (small molecules and/or biologics) or >1
biologic TNF blocker were excluded.
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Treatments
Subjects were randomised to receive apremilast 20 mg BID (APR 20 BID treatment group), apremilast 30
mg BID (APR 30 BID treatment group), or identically placebo during the 24-week placebo-controlled
phase. As for the PSOR programme, apremilast was dose-titrated in 10-mg/day increments over the first
week of treatment. In accordance with the titration schedule, subjects in the APR 20 BID treatment group
reached their target dose on Day 4 of treatment, and subjects in the APR 30 BID treatment group reached
their target dose on Day 6 of treatment.
Objectives
The primary objective of all 4 studies was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of 2 doses of apremilast (20 mg
or 30 mg orally twice daily [BID]), compared with placebo, on the signs and symptoms of PsA after 16
weeks’ administration.
Secondary Objectives
1. To evaluate the following in subjects with active PsA who are treated with 2 doses of apremilast or
placebo for up to 24 weeks:
- Safety and tolerability
- Efficacy
- Physical function
- Fatigue
- Clinical disease activity
2. To evaluate the following in subjects with active PsA who are treated with 2 doses of apremilast for up
to 52 weeks:
- Safety and tolerability
- Efficacy
- Physical function
- Fatigue
- Clinical disease activity
- To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of 2 doses of apremilast during up to 5 years’
administration to subjects with active PsA
Study 004 also included evaluation of psoriatic skin lesions as a secondary objective. Study 002 also
included a
pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) sub study.
Outcomes/endpoints
The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects in each apremilast treatment group (APR 20 BID and
APR 30 BID), compared with placebo, who achieved a modified ACR 20 response after 16 weeks of
therapy. The modified ACR 20 required at least 20% improvement, relative to baseline, in both TJC and
SJC, as well as at least 20% improvement, relative to baseline, in at least 3 of the 5 following
components:
•
HAQ-DI Patient’s (subject’s) global assessment of disease activity
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•
(PGA) Subject’s assessment of pain
•
Evaluator’s (physician’s) global assessment of disease activity (EGA)
•
C-reactive protein (CRP)
Other ACR response assessments, ACR 50 and ACR 70, were similarly defined, except that 50% and 70%
improvements from baseline, respectively, were required. Change from Baseline in HAQ-DI at Week 16
was the key secondary endpoint.
An extensive range of secondary endpoints have been evaluated in this application at week 24 and 52
including PsARC, CDAI, EULAR, SF-36 (Physical function Domain score and Physical Component
Summary) FACIT-F, MASES, Dactylitis Severity Score, BASDAI and PASI-75.
Sample size
Sample size estimations were based on the results of the phase 2 Study PSA-001. A 2-group chi-square
test with a 0.025 two-sided significance level has more than 95% power to detect a true 20% absolute
difference (40% versus 20%) between one dose of apremilast and placebo, for the proportion of subjects
achieving an ACR 20 when the sample size in each group is 165.
Randomisation
At the Baseline Visit (Week 0), subjects who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were randomized in
parallel in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive either 20 mg BID or 30 mg BID apremilast or placebo, using the IVRS.
The IVRS stratified the randomization according to DMARD treatment (yes/no) and ensured that at least
25 subjects in the DMARD treated group were taking either LEF or SSZ. Placebo subjects who did not
experience ≥20% improvement in SJC and TJC by Week 16 (i.e., met early escape (EE) criteria were
required to transition early to active treatment and were re-randomized 1:1 in a blinded fashion to
apremilast 20 mg BID or 30 mg BID. Subjects on active treatment who met EE criteria continued to
receive, in a blinded fashion, the same dose of apremilast to which they were originally assigned. After 24
weeks of treatment, all of the subjects in the placebo group who had not entered EE at Week 16 were to
be re-randomized 1:1 to receive 20 mg BID or 30 mg BID of apremilast, again stratified for DMARD use
(yes/no).
Blinding (masking)
Blinding to treatment assignment was maintained at all study sites until after the Week 52 database lock
at Year 1, after all final analyses were completed and the final results were released. At that time,
open-label study medication was to be provided. Subjects who were receiving apremilast at Week 24 (i.e.,
those who were originally randomized to the APR 20 BID or APR 30 BID treatment groups, and those who
entered EE at Week 16) continued to receive their randomized apremilast treatments in a blinded fashion.
Statistical methods
The evaluation of efficacy of apremilast was based on the results from the individual studies. Efficacy
endpoints were analyzed at both the Week 16 (the timing of the primary endpoint) and Week 24 time
points during the placebo-controlled period for each individual study. Handling of early escape at Week 16
and missing values at Week 16 and Week 24 was consistent for all four studies. The statistical methods
were identical in each of the studies with the exception of adjustment for stratification factors. In the
three pivotal Phase 3 studies only (PSA-002, PSA-003, and PSA-004), the treatment comparisons were
adjusted for strata of baseline DMARD use (yes/no) and baseline BSA involvement with psoriasis (<3%
and ≥3%; the latter for Study PSA-004 only). The secondary endpoints at Weeks 16 and 24 in Studies
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PSA-002, PSA-003, PSA-004, and PSA-005 were analyzed in a hierarchical fashion to control the Type I
error rate, as outlined in the studies’ statistical analysis plans.
Results
Participant flow
There were 1493 subjects randomised and treated across the 3 pivotal studies and are included in the FAS
(496 placebo, 500 APR 20 BID, 497 APR 30 BID) (Table 21).
Disposition of Subjects During the Placebo-controlled Phase (Weeks 0-24)
The disposition of subjects during the placebo-controlled phase (Weeks 0-24) of the pivotal Phase 3
studies was generally comparable across treatment groups and across the individual Studies. In the
pooled analysis, the majority (92.9%) of subjects in the pivotal Phase 3 studies completed Week 16 (the
time of the primary endpoint) (93.1%, 93.2%, and 92.4% in the placebo, APR 20 BID, and APR 30 BID
treatment groups, respectively). The most frequently cited reasons for study discontinuation prior to
Week 16 were AEs (2.8%, 3.0%, and 5.0% of subjects in the placebo, APR 20 BID, and APR 30 BID
treatment groups, respectively), withdrawal by subject (1.6%, 1.8%, and 0.8%, respectively), and lack
of efficacy (1.4%, 1.4%, and 0.8%, respectively).
The proportion of subjects entering EE at Week 16 decreased in a treatment- and dose-dependent
manner (58.9%, 42.6%, and 35.2% of subjects in the placebo, APR 20 BID, and APR 30 BID treatment
groups, respectively).
Table 21: Subject Disposition During the Placebo-Controlled Phase (Weeks 0-24) (Pooled
Analysis; FAS)
Number (%) of Subjects
Placebo
APR 20 BID
APR 30 BID
Total
N = 496
N = 500
N = 497
N =1493
496 (100.0)
500 (100.0)
497 (100.0)
1493 (100.0)
462 (93.1)
466 (93.2)
459 (92.4)
1387 (92.9)
447 (90.1)
447 (89.4)
438 (88.1)
1332 (89.2)
15 (3.0)
19 (3.8)
21 (4.2)
55 (3.7)
292 (58.9)
213 (42.6)
175 (35.2)
680 (45.5)
34 (6.9)
34 (6.8)
38 (7.6)
106 (7.1)
Adverse event
14 (2.8)
15 (3.0)
25 (5.0)
54 (3.6)
Lack of efficacy
7 (1.4)
7 (1.4)
4 (0.8)
18 (1.2)
0
0
1 (0.2)
1 (0.1)
8 (1.6)
9 (1.8)
4 (0.8)
21 (1.4)
0
1 (0.2)
0
1 (0.1)
Lost to follow-up
1 (0.2)
0
1 (0.2)
2 (0.1)
Protocol violation
1 (0.2)
0
2 (0.4)
3 (0.2)
Subjects Who:
Received at least 1 dose of IP
Completed Week 16 visit
Completed Week 16 and continued
a
Completed Week 16 but did not continueb
Early escaped at Week 16
Discontinued prior to Week 16
Primary reason for discontinuation
Noncompliance with study drug
Withdrawal by subject
Death
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Other
3 (0.6)
2 (0.4)
1 (0.2)
6 (0.4)
Completed the Placebo-Controlled Phase
(Week 24 visit)
439 (88.5)
436 (87.2)
435 (87.5)
1310 (87.7)
Discontinued prior to Week 24
57 (11.5)
64 (12.8)
62 (12.5)
183 (12.3)
Adverse event
25 (5.0)
25 (5.0)
30 (6.0)
80 (5.4)
Lack of efficacy
13 (2.6)
12 (2.4)
13 (2.6)
38 (2.5)
0
1 (0.2)
2 (0.4)
3 (0.2)
12 (2.4)
18 (3.6)
7 (1.4)
37 (2.5)
0
1 (0.2)
0
1 (0.1)
Lost to follow-up
2 (0.4)
1 (0.2)
5 (1.0)
8 (0.5)
Protocol violation
1 (0.2)
1 (0.2)
2 (0.4)
4 (0.3)
Other
4 (0.8)
5 (1.0)
3 (0.6)
12 (0.8)
Primary reason for discontinuation
Noncompliance with study drug
Withdrawal by subject
Death
APR = apremilast; BID = twice daily; FAS = full analysis set; IP = investigational product.
a
Includes subjects who had a Week 16 visit and IP dispensed at the visit.
b
Includes subjects who had a Week 16 visit but IP was not dispensed at the visit, or who did not have a Week 16 visit but
discontinued on a date no earlier than the visit window for Week 16 (± 7 days).
.
Source: Table 1.2.1 and Table 1.2.2.
Disposition of Subjects During the Active-Treatment/Long-term Safety Phase (Weeks 24-52)
There was some variability across the pivotal Phase 3 studies with regard to the disposition of subjects
during Weeks 24-52. However, the trends observed across the treatment groups were generally
consistent with the pooled analyses. In subjects initially randomised to apremilast who entered the Week
24-52 study period, the proportions of subjects completing Week 52 were comparable between the APR
20 BID and APR 30 BID treatment groups (89.6% and 88.7%, respectively).
The most frequently reported reasons for discontinuation in the APR 20 BID and APR 30 BID treatment
groups were lack of efficacy (3.9% and 4.6%, respectively), withdrawal by subject (3.4% and2.6%,
respectively), and AEs (2.4% in both groups).
Overall Disposition of Subjects (Weeks 0-52)
The overall rates of completion of Weeks 0-52 in subjects initially randomised to the APR 20 BID and APR
30 BID treatment groups were 73.8% (369/500) and 74.4% (370/497), respectively. Additionally, 73.2%
(363/496) of subjects randomised to the placebo group completed Weeks 0-52 (this included 111
subjects in the PBO/20 EE group, 112 subjects in the PBO/30 EE group, 67 subjects in the PBO/20 XO
group, and 73 subjects in the PBO/30 XO treatment group). These overall completion rates were
consistent with the completion rates in the individual pivotal Phase 3 studies.
Recruitment
PSA-002: First subject enrolled: 2nd June 2010; Week 52 completed 2nd October 2012
PSA-003: First subject enrolled: 27th September 2010; Week 52 completed 27th December 2012.
PSA-004: First subject enrolled: 30th September 2011; Week 52 completed 28th January 2013.
PSA-005: First enrolment 9th December 2010; Week 24 completed 14th January 2013.
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Conduct of the study
All three studies had 6 protocol amendments the most significant of which was Protocol Amendment 6 (03
July 2012) where the assessment of the primary efficacy endpoint (ACR 20) was made at Week 16 instead
of Week 24. Study PSA005 had 5 protocol amendments were implemented including extending blinded
treatment duration with apremilast from 12 weeks to 24 weeks.
Baseline data
Comparison of populations in Studies PSA 002, PSA003 and PSA004
The demographic characteristics of subjects at baseline were generally well-balanced across the studies
PSA002, PSA003 and PSA004 treatment groups. There was some minor variability across the study
populations with a higher proportion of female subjects in two of the three studies (PSA-003 (57%) and
PSA-004 (53%)
and the distribution of subjects by geographic region varied across the three pivotal
Phase 3 studies. Otherwise in terms of demographic characteristics the three studies were generally
similar.
North America
Europe
Rest of the world
PSA002
44.2%
24.2%
PSA003
24%
64%
12%
PSA004
32.5%
45.9%
21.6%
31.5%
Pooled analysis
When pooling Studies PSA002, 003 and 004 the FAS comprised 1493 patients; 496 in the placebo group
and 500 in the APR20mg BID group and 497 in the APR30mg BID group.
The majority of subjects enrolled in this study were white (93.6%) and 53.5% of all subjects were female;
the mean age was 50.3 years, and the mean weight was 85.65 kg (mean body mass index [BMI] was
29.94 kg/m2). In the pooled analysis, the greatest proportion of subjects were from Europe (44.5%
versus 33.7% from North America and 21.8% from the rest of the world).
The disease history of subjects was generally well-balanced across treatment groups in the three studies
and the pooled analysis. The proportion of patients with predominant spondylitis 32/1439 (2.1%) reflects
the relative proportion of patients with this PsA subtype within the general PsA population. In the
predominant spondylitis subgroup 3/12 (25%) of APR30mg BID vs 2/7 (28.6%) placebo had a treatment
effect in favour of placebo.
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Baseline Disease History (FAS) pooled analysis
Baseline Disease Characteristics
Baseline disease activity, per the ACR component scores, was consistent with a subject population with
active PsA. The mean (median) TJC was 21.0 (16.0) and the mean (median) SJC was 11.3 (9.0), and was
consistent across treatment groups. Subjects had impaired physical function, as indicated by mean
(median) HAQ-DI score of 1.178 (1.250). There was consistency observed across the VAS assessment
scores for the mean (median) subject’s assessment of pain (56.8 [58.5]), PGA (56.2 [58.0]), and EGA
(54.8 [55.0]). Other baseline disease activity measures, including the SF-36v2 physical functioning
domain, CDAI, DAS28 (CRP), FACIT-Fatigue, MASES, and Dactylitis severity scores, were likewise
indicative of a subject population with active PsA, and these were generally well-balanced across
treatment groups in the pooled analysis and across the three pivotal Phase 3 studies.
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Numbers analysed
PSA-002
Table 23 - Number of Subjects Included in Data Sets Analyzed
Data Set
Total
Treatment Group
Placebo
APR 20 BID
APR 30 BID
Full analysis set (FAS)
168
168
168
504
PP Population
165
163
161
489
PBO/APR 20 BID EE: 54
PBO/APR 20 BID XO: 23
PBO/APR 30 BID EE: 53
PBO/APR 30 BID XO: 24
a
Total randomized : 168
APR 20 BID EE: 78
APR 20 BID NEE: 74
a
Total randomized :
168
APR 20 BID EE: 58
APR 20 BID NEE: 91
490
AAR Population
AAR = apremilast subjects as randomized/re-randomized; APR = apremilast; BID = twice daily; EE = early escape (rerandomized to apremilast at Week 16); NEE = no early escape after completing Week 16 visit; PBO = placebo; XO = crossover
(re-randomized to apremilast at Week 24).PP = per-protocol.
a Total randomized includes subjects who discontinued prior to Week 16 and are therefore not included in the EE and NEE groups.
PSA-003
Table 24: Number of Subjects Included in Data Sets Analyzed
Data Set
Total
Treatment Group
Placebo
APR 20 BID
APR 30 BID
Full analysis set (FAS)
159
163
1
6
2
484
PP Population
154
159
1
5
464
PBO/APR 20 BID EE: 44
PBO/APR 20 BID XO: 27
PBO/APR 30 BID EE: 44
PBO/APR 30 BID XO: 28
a
Total randomized : 163
APR 20 BID EE: 59
APR 20 BID NEE: 87
a
Total randomized :
162
APR 30 BID EE: 64
APR 30 BID NEE: 79
468
AAR Population
AAR = apremilast subjects as randomized/re-randomized; APR = apremilast; BID = twice daily; EE = early escape (re-randomized to
apremilast at Week 16); NEE = no early escape after completing Week 16 visit; PBO = placebo; XO = crossover (re-randomized to
apremilast at Week 24); PP = per-protocol.
a
Total randomized includes subjects who discontinued prior to Week 16 and are therefore not included in the EE and NEEgroups.
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PSA-004
Table 25: Number of Subjects Included in Data Sets Analyzed
Data Set
Total
Treatment Group
PB
O
APR 20 BID
APR 30 BID
FAS
16
9
169
167
505
PP Population
16
4
163
159
486
Total randomized: 167
APR 30 BID EE: 53
APR 30 BID NEE: 95
483
AAR Population
PBO/APR
PBO/APR
PBO/ARP
PBO/APR
20
20
30
30
BID
BID
BID
BID
a
Total randomized : 169
APR 20 BID EE: 76
APR 20 BID NEE: 73
EE: 47
XO: 25
EE: 50
XO: 25
AAR = apremilast subjects as randomized/re-randomized; APR = apremilast; BID = twice daily; EE = early escape (re-randomized to
apremilast at Week 16); FAS = full analysis set; NEE = no early escape after completing Week 16 visit; PBO = placebo; XO = crossover
(re-randomized to apremilast at Week 24); PP = per-protocol.
a
Total randomized includes subjects who discontinued prior to Week 16 and are therefore not included in the EE and NEE groups.
PSA-005
Table 26: Number of Subjects Included in Data Sets Analyzed
Data Set
Total
Treatment Group
Placebo
APR 20 BID
APR 30 BID
Full Analysis Set
176
175
176
527
Per-Protocol Population
166
168
167
501
APR = apremilast; BID = twice daily.
Outcomes and estimation
•
Reduction of Signs and Symptoms
Primary endpoint (ACR 20 Response at Week 16)
Table 27: Primary Endpoint: Proportion of Subjects Achieving a Modified ACR 20 Response at
Week 16 in Studies PSA-002, PSA-003, and PSA-004 (FAS; NRI)
Placebo
Study
n/N (%)
(a)
APR 20 BID
APR 30 BID
n/N (%)a
Trt.
Effect
P-value
n/N (%)a
Trt.
Effect
P-value
PSA-002
32/168 (19.0)
51/168 (30.4)
11.3
0.0166
64/168 (38.1)
19.0
0.0001
PSA-003
30/159 (18.9)
61/163 (37.4)
18.7
0.0002
52/162 (32.1)
13.4
0.0060
PSA-004
31/169 (18.3)
48/169 (28.4)
9.8
0.0295
68/167 (40.7)
22.3
< 0.0001
ACR 20 = American College of Rheumatology 20% response; APR = apremilast; BID = twice daily; FAS = full analysis set; NRI =
nonresponder imputation; Trt. = treatment.
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(a)
Subjects who discontinued early prior to Week 16 and subjects who did not have sufficient data for a definitive determianation of
responses status at Week 16 were counted as nonresponders. Joints temporarily or permanently not assessable at baseline were
excluded from joint count. For other unassessed joints at baseline, the joint assessment at the Screening visit, if assessed, was used
as the Baseline assessment; otherwise, the joint was excluded from joint count.The last observed joint assessment (at baseline or
postbaseline) was used for joints unassessed at Week 16. There was no imputation for other missing ACR component scores.
Table 28: Proportion of Subjects Achieving A Modified ACR 20 Response at Weeks 16 and 24
(Pooled Analysis; FAS; NRI)
Apremilast-exposure Period (Weeks 0-52)
In all three pivotal Phase 3 studies, the analysis of the modified ACR 20 in the AAR Population (using data
as observed) was supportive of the results presented above for the FAS (using NRI) outlined above.
Response rates generally improved between Weeks 24 to 52 of treatment in subjects initially randomized
to the APR 20 BID and APR 30 BID treatment groups, based on the data available at each visit (see Figure
2 below for the pooled analysis). At Week 52, the modified ACR 20 response rates observed in the APR 20
BID and APR 30 BID treatment groups were generally comparable, ranging from 52.9% to 63.0% in the
APR 20 BID treatment group and from 52.6% to 63.0% in the APR 30 BID treatment group across the
three studies. Placebo subjects who did achieve a ≥ 20% improvement in TJC and SJC at week 16
continued to receive placebo until Week 24, at which time they were switched to apremilast (PBO/20 XO
and PBO/30 XO groups). These patients showed a high placebo response at Week 16, particularly for the
modified ACR 20, which started to decline by Week 24 but consistently outperforms both APR treatment
groups across all three studies and the in the pooled analysis.
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Figure 2 - Proportion of All Subjects Exposed to Apremilast Achieving Modified ACR 20
Responses During the Apremilast-exposure Period up to Week 52 (AAR Population; Pooled
Studies PSA-002, PSA-003 and PSA-004; Data as Observed)
Improvement in Physical Function
Key Secondary Endpoint (Change from Baseline in HAQ-DI at Week 16)
Change from Baseline in HAQ-DI at Week 16 was identified as a key secondary endpoint. Statistically
significant improvement (reduction) from baseline in the HAQ-DI score at Week 16 (the key secondary
endpoint) was seen in the APR 30 BID treatment group in all three pivotal Phase 3 studies and in the APR
20 BID treatment group in two studies (PSA-002 and PSA-003).
Table 29 - Change from Baseline in the HAQ-DI Score at Weeks 16 and 24 (Pooled Analysis;
FAS; LOCF)
At Week 52, the mean change from baseline in the HAQ-DI score ranged from -0.192 to -0.369 in the APR
20 BID treatment group and from -0.318 to -0.350 in the APR 30 BID treatment group.
MCID for HAQ-DI for PSA has not been fully evaluated. The improvements in the HAQ-DI score observed
in the APR 20 BID and APR 30 BID treatment groups exceeded the estimated MCID of -0.13 provided by
the Kwok, 2010 study
but not the estimated –MCID of -0.3 and -0.35 provided in two Mease studies
[Mease, 2004a and Mease 2011] .
Other Secondary Efficacy Endpoints
Modified ACR 50/70 endpoint
In all three pivotal Phase 3 studies, numerically greater proportions of subjects treated with apremilast
achieved a modified ACR 50 at both time points compared with placebo. The treatment effect at Week 16
in modified ACR 50 was nominally significant for the APR 20 BID treatment group in Studies PSA-002
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(26/168 (15.5) p= 0.0049) and PSA-003 (24/163 (14.7) p= 0.0034) and for the APR 30 BID treatment
group in Study PSA-002 (27/168 (16.1) p= 0.0027). This is maintained at Week 24 in both apremilast
treatment groups, and nominally significant for the APR 20 BID group in Study PSA-002, and APR 30 BID
group in Studies PSA-002 and PSA-004 (Table 23 and 25).
The proportions of subjects achieving modified ACR 70 responses at Week 16 were nominally significant
in the APR 20 BID treatment group (10/168 (6.0%) p= 0.0192) at Week 16 and the APR 20 BID (9/168
(5.4%) p= 0.0104) and APR30 BID (17/168 (10.1%) p= 0.0001) groups at week 24 in Stud PSA-002
only.
Table 30 - Modified ACR 20/50/70 Responses During Weeks 0-52 in Subjects Initially
Randomized to Apremilast (Pooled Analysis;
NRI)
Pain
Subject’s Assessment of Pain Score
Statistically significantly greater improvements in the subject’s assessment of pain score, compared with
placebo, were observed at Week 16 in the APR 30 BID treatment group in Studies PSA-002 and PSA-004.
These improvements were generally maintained at Week 24. A dose effect was observed in two of the
three studies (PSA-002 and PSA-004). The MCID of a 10-mm improvement (reduction) from baseline
(Dworkin, 2008) was exceeded at Week 16 in the APR 20 BID treatment group in Studies PSA-002 and
PSA-003, and in the APR 30 BID treatment group in all three studies and were generally maintained at
Week 24.
Non articular symptoms Enthesitis, Dactylitis and Psoriasis
The ACR criteria and other composite responder indices (e.g. PsARC and the EULAR response criteria)
have discriminated between placebo and treatment response. However, they do not incorporate skin, and
entheseal involvement. Response rates were evaluated in patients with pre-existing enthesitis and
Dactylitis at baseline. In the pooled analysis the mean reduction in MASES from baseline in the APR 30
BID treatment group was nominally significantly greater compared with the placebo group at week 24.
(-1.4 p= 0.0194).
In subjects with pre-existing dactylitis, in the pooled analysis nominally significantly greater mean
reductions (indicating improvement) in dactylitis severity score were observed in the APR30 BID
treatment group, compared with placebo, at Weeks 16 (-1.7 p= 0.049 ) and 24 (-1.8 p= 0.0097).
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In the pivotal Phase 3 studies, PASI-75 response rates at week 16 were nominally significant compared
with placebo for the APR20 BID and APR30 BID groups in all three studies with the response for the 30 mg
BID group in PSA-004 achieving statistical significance at week 16. Response rates were 4.5% to 5.7% for
PBO and 18.8% to 20.9% for APR20BID and 22.1-22.2% for APR30 BID groups respectively. These
response rates were maintained through week 24 and from week 24-52. At Week 52, the PASI-75
response rates were 24.5% to 28.6% in the APR 20 BID treatment group and 36.8% to 39.3% in the APR
30 BID treatment group. Similar responses were seen for PASI-50. A dose effect in favour of APR30 BID
for the PASI-50 and PASI-75 response was observed at Week 52 in all three studies.
SF-36v2 Physical Functioning Domain Score
Statistically significant improvements (increases), compared with placebo, in the SF-36v2 physical
functioning domain score at Week 16 in the APR 30 BID treatment group in all three pivotal Phase 3
studies and in the APR 20 BID treatment group in Study PSA-002.
FACIT-fatigue Score
At baseline, the mean FACIT-F scores were 29.9. Mean change from baseline were nominally statistically
significant across the APR 30 BID groups in all studies PSA 002,003 and 004 at weeks 16 and 24 although
values recorded at week 24 across all three studies were slightly lower than those recorded at week 16
suggesting a slight diminution of effect.
BASDAI Assessments
Axial involvement, a common secondary feature of peripheral predominant PsA disease, was present in
37% (548/1493) of subjects enrolled in the Phase 3 program. This subgroup had a mean (median)
baseline BASDAI score of 5.95 (6.17). In the pooled analysis, a nominally significantly greater reduction
(improvement) in the BASDAI score was observed in the APR 30 BID treatment group, compared with
placebo, at Weeks 16 (-0.57 p=0.0173 )and 24 (-0.853 p=0.0002). The number of patients with
predominantly spondylitic subtypes of psoriatic arthritis( 2.1% of study poopulation) was too small to
allow meaningful assessment.
Summary of main studies
The following tables summarise the efficacy results from the main studies supporting the present
application. These summaries should be read in conjunction with the discussion on clinical efficacy as well
as the benefit risk assessment (see later sections).
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Table 31 - Summary of efficacy for three pivotal trials for psoriatic arthritis indication
A phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled,
parallel-group, efficacy and safety studies of two doses of apremilast in
subjects with active psoriatic arthritis
Study
Pivotal trials PSA-002 PSA- 003, PSA-004
identifier
Design
These phase 3 parallel-group study with 2 active treatment groups
consisted of 2 treatment phases: a 24- week, randomized,
double-blind, placebo-controlled phase, and a 236-week active
treatment/long-term
safety
phase
consisting
of
2
parts
(a
randomized, double-blind active treatment phase of at least 28
weeks ‘duration, and an open-label, long-term safety phase of up to
4 years’ duration), for an overall study
Duration of 5 years.
Duration of main phase:
24 weeks
Duration of Extension phase:
The 24 week placebo controlled
phase was followed by an active
treatment period in which all
subjects were to be treated up to
5 years in total. 52 week data
presented
as
part
of
this
application for all three studies.
Treatments
groups
Study
PSA002
Treatment
groups
Study
PSA003
Treatment
groups
Study
PSA004
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
Apremilast30mBID
N=168
Apremilast 20mgBID
N=168
Placebo
N=168
Apremilast30mBID
N=162
Apremilast 20mgBID
N=163
Placebo
N=159
Apremilast30mBID
N=167
Apremilast 20mgBID
N=169
Placebo
N=169
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Endpoints and
Primary
The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects in each
definitions
endpoint
apremilast treatment group(APR 20 BID and APR 30 BID), compared
with placebo, who achieved a modified ACR 20 response after 16
weeks of therapy
Key
Change from baseline in physical function (HAQ-DI) after 16 weeks
secondary
of treatment.
endpoint
Other
secondary
endpoints
Physical Function endpoints:
SF-36v2 Physical Functioning domain score
Quality of Life endpoints:
SF-36v2 PCS and MCS
(FACIT-Fatigue) score
Other indices of disease activity:
(DAS28[CRP])
(CDAI)
EULAR response
BASDAI
Non-articular manifestations of psoriatic disease
(MASES)
Dactylitis Severity Score
Results and Analysis
Analysis
Primary Analysis
description
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Analysis
Two analysis periods were defined for the analysis of
population and
time
efficacy:
point
The placebo-controlled period (Weeks 0-24)
description
The apremilast-exposure period (Weeks 0-52)
Efficacy
analyses
were
conducted
using
3
analysis
populations:
The Full Analysis Set (FAS) - the primary population for the
analyses of efficacy during the placebo-controlled period.
The Per-Protocol (PP) Population - used for supportive
analyses of efficacy during the placebo-controlled period.
The
Apremilast
Subjects
as
Initially
Randomized/Re-randomized (AAR) - used for the analyses of
efficacy during the apremilast-exposure period
Proportion
of
Placebo
PSA002
APR20mg BID
Subjects
Achieving
Modified
BID
a
ACR
20Response at
Week
16
in
Studies
PSA-002,
PSA-003,
APR30mg
and
PSA-004 (FAS;
NRI)
Number of subject
n/N (%)
n/N (%)
n/N (%)
Modified ACR 20
32/168
51/168
64/168
(FAS NRI) Week
16
(19.0)
(30.4)
(38.1)
11.3
19.0
0.0166
0.001
APR20mg BID
APR30mg
Treatment effect
p-value
(diff v PLB
Placebo
PSA003
BID
Number of subject
n/N (%)
n/N (%)
n/N (%)
Modified ACR
30/159 (18.9)
61/163 (37.4)
52/162 (32.1)
18.7
13.4
0.0002
0.0060
20
Response at Week
16
Treatment effect
p-value
(diff v PLB
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PSA004
Placebo
APR20mg BID
APR30mg
BID
Number of subject
n/N (%)
n/N (%)
n/N (%)
Modified ACR 20
Response at Week
16
31/169 (18.3)
48/169 (28.4)
68/167 (40.7)
(p-value)
9.8
22.3
(diff v PLB)
(0.0295)
(< 0.0001)
Treatment effect
Pooled analysis
Placebo
APR20mg BID
APR30mg BID
Number of subject
n/N (%)
n/N (%)
n/N (%)
Modified ACR 20
Response at Week
16
93/496
160/500
68/497
(18.8)
(32.0)
(37.0)
Treatment effect
Change
13.2
18.3
(diff v PLB)
(< 0.0001)
(< 0.0001)
APR20mg BID
APR30mg BID
from
Baseline
in
HAQ-DI
at
Week
(p-value)
16
in
Studies
PSA-002,
PSA-003,
and
PSA-004 (FAS;
LOCF)
PSA002
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Placebo
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Mean Baseline
Value
1.206
LS Mean Change
(SE)
0.086 (0.0360)
Mean Baseline Value
1.141
LS Mean Change
(SE)
-0.198 (0.0364)
LS Mean Diff. v. PLB
-0.113
P value= 0.0252
PSA-003
Placebo
Mean Baseline
Value
1.147
LS Mean Change
(SE)
-0.053 (0.0358)
APR20mg BID
Mean Baseline Value
1.141
LS Mean Change
(SE)
-0.157 (0.0351)
LS Mean Diff v PLB
-0.104
P value=0.0320
PSA-004
Placebo
Mean Baseline
Value
1.160
LS Mean Change
(SE)
-0.065 (0.0335)
Notes
APR20mg BID
Mean Baseline Value
1.134
LS Mean Change
(SE)
-0.131 (0.0337)
LS Mean Diff v PLB
-0.066
P value
-0.1619
Mean Baseline
Value
1.231
LS Mean
Change (SE)
-0.244
(0.0364)
LS Mean Diff v
PLB
-0.159
P value=
0.0017
APR30mg BID
Mean Baseline
Value
1.231
LS Mean
Change (SE)
-0.193
(0.0354)
LS Mean Diff v
PLB
-0.140
P value=
0.0042
APR30mg BID
Mean Baseline
Value
1.160
LS Mean
Change (SE)
-0.192
(0.0339)
LS Mean Diff v
PLB
-0.127
P value=
0.0073
Additional analyses of the primary and secondary endpoints
at week 24 and 52 and modified ACR 50 and to a lesser
extent ACR70 responses and, PsARC, were supportive of the
modified ACR 20 and HAQ-DI findings where there were
sufficient numbers of subjects for meaningful conclusions.
SF-36v2 physical functioning domain score, MASES,
dactylitis severity score, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease
Activity Index (BASDAI), were evaluated.
Analysis
description
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
Secondary analysis
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Effect estimate
per
comparison
Primary endpoint
APR20mg BID
vs. PBO
APR30mg vs.
PLB
Difference in %
11.3%
19%
P-value
0.0166
0.0001
Difference in %
18.7%
13.4%
P-value
0.0002
0.0060
Difference in %
9.8%
22.3%
P-value
0.0295
< 0.0001
Secondary
endpoint
Comparison groups
APR20mg BID
vs. PBO
APR30mg vs.
PLB
HAQ-DI
Adjusted
mean
-0.113
-0.159
0.0252
0.0017
-0.104
-0.140
0.0320
0.0042
-0.066
-0.127
0.1619
0.0073
ACR20(FAS:NRI)
PSA002
PSA003
Comparison groups
at 16 weeks
PSA004
PSA-002
PSA-004
of
P-value
Adjusted
mean
PSA-003
difference
difference
of
P-value
Adjusted
mean
P-value
difference
of
Analysis performed across trials (pooled analyses and meta-analysis)
Prior DMARD use
Both the APR 20 BID and APR 30 BID treatment groups had greater modified ACR 20 responses at Week
16 versus placebo, irrespective of the number or type of prior small-molecule or biologic DMARDs used,
including subjects who had had a therapeutic failure to biologics. These treatment effects were generally
maintained at Week 24.
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Figure 3 - Modified ACR 20 Response at Week 16 by Prior Biologic DMARD Use (Pooled
Analysis; FAS; NRI)
Baseline (Concomitant) DMARD Use
Higher modified ACR 20 responses were observed in the APR 20 BID and APR 30 BID treatment groups
compared with placebo at Week 16, irrespective of whether apremilast was given alone or in combination
with small-molecule DMARDs. Treatment effect ended to be higher in the non-MTX subgroup compared
with the MTX treated subgroup even though the change from baseline was lower than that seen in the
MTX treated group.
Figure 4 - Modified ACR 20 Response at Week 16 by Baseline Small-Molecule DMARD Use
(Pooled Analysis; FAS; NRI)
Supportive Study
Study PSA-005 is an ongoing phase 3 parallel group study in 528 subjects with active PsA. It differs from
the pivotal three Phase 3 studies in that subjects enrolled in Study PSA-005 have not been previously
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treated with a DMARD, and concomitant DMARDs, including MTX, LEF, and SSZ, were prohibited. It has a
similar design to the pivotal phase studies. A statistically significantly greater proportion of subjects in the
APR 20 BID and APR 30 BID treatment groups achieved a modified ACR 20 response at Week 16 (the
primary endpoint) compared with placebo (28.0% and 30.7%, respectively, versus 15.9%; p = 0.0062
and 0.0010, respectively). Statistically significant modified ACR 20 responses at Week 24 for APR 20 BID
and APR 30BID treated subjects. (29.1% and 24.4%, respectively, versus placebo at 13.1%; p = 0.0002
and p = 0.0063, respectively).
The results of Study PSA-005 are broadly in line with the results of the three pivotal studies.
PLAQUE PSORIASIS
The pivotal Phase 3 studies of apremilast for monotherapy use in psoriasis (Studies PSOR-008 and
PSOR-009) utilized a similar study design and are described below.
Study PSOR-008 (ESTEEM 1): A phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled,
efficacy and safety study of apremilast (CC-10004) in subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
Study PSOR-009 (ESTEEM 2): A phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled,
efficacy and safety study of apremilast (CC-10004) in subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
Methods
A total of 1257 subjects were enrolled across both studies. These studies consist of 4 treatment phases
(see Figure 5 and 6): a 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase; a 16-week
double-blind maintenance phase; a 20-week randomized, double-blind treatment withdrawal phase; and
a 208-week, open-label long-term safety extension phase. Overall study duration is 5 years. The
application contains data from the initial 52 weeks of dosing, spanning the first 3 treatment phases. The
long-term extension phases across both studies are ongoing.
5
6
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Study Participants
Subjects enrolled in these studies needed to have a diagnosis of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis with
the following eligibility criteria at baseline:
o
≥ 10% body surface area (BSA) involvement
o
PASI score ≥ 12
o
sPGA score ≥ 3 (moderate or greater) at baseline, and being candidates for
o
candidates for systemic and/or phototherapy.
The study population included subjects who were either treatment naïve or who had received
phototherapy and/or systemic therapy and who were considered appropriate candidates for systemic
therapy based on the European S3-Guidelines. The use of concomitant psoriasis therapies, other than a
limited spectrum of topical agents, was not allowed during the Placebo-controlled and the Maintenance
Phases. Only low potency corticosteroids for the face, axillae, and groin; coal-tar shampoo and salicylic
acid preparations for the scalp; and unmedicated skin moisturiser for body lesions were permitted. These
topical therapies were not to be used within 24 hours prior to a study visit.
Treatments
Eligible subjects were randomised to receive APR 30 mg twice daily (APR 30 BID) or identically-appearing
placebo during the 16-week Placebo-controlled Phase. In accordance with the titration schedule, subjects
in the APR 30 mg BID treatment group reached the target dose on the sixth day of treatment. At Week 16,
all subjects originally assigned to placebo were transitioned in a blinded fashion to receive APR 30 mg BID
and dose-titrated during their first 6 days of active treatment, while subjects originally assigned to APR 30
BID continued to receive APR 30 BID in a blinded fashion up to Week 32 (Maintenance Phase).
In Study PSOR-008 at Week 32 (Randomised Treatment Withdrawal Phase), subjects originally
randomised to APR 30 mg BID at baseline who had achieved a PASI-75 response were re-randomised to
either APR 30 mg BID or placebo to evaluate time to first loss of PASI-75 response. Subjects who were
re-randomised to placebo and lost their PASI-75 response restarted APR 30 mg BID without re-titration.
In Study PSOR-009 a different definition of responder, a loss of effect in the Randomised Treatment
Withdrawal phase was utilised. Consequently, at Week 32 (Randomised Treatment Withdrawal Phase),
subjects originally randomised to APR 30 mg BID at baseline who had achieved a PASI-50 response at
Week 32, were re-randomised to either APR 30 mg BID or placebo to evaluate the time to first loss of 50%
of the Week 32 PASI improvement compared to baseline. Subjects who were re-randomised to placebo
and lost 50% of their Week 32 PASI response restarted APR 30 mg BID without re-titration.
Subjects who had been randomised to APR 30 mg BID at baseline and who did not achieve a PASI-75
response in Study PSOR-008 or a PASI-50 response in Study PSOR-009 were not re-randomised in the
Randomised Treatment Withdrawal Phase. In addition, all subjects who had been randomised to placebo
at baseline were not re-randomised in the Randomised Treatment Withdrawal Phase regardless of their
PASI response. Subjects who were not re-randomised continued to receive APR 30 mg BID up to Week
52. Subjects who did not achieve a PASI-75 response in Study PSOR-008 or a PASI-50 response in Study
PSOR-009 at Week 32 were given the option of adding topical and/or UVB phototherapy to APR 30 mg BID
treatment at the investigator’s discretion at Week 32 only, but therapy could be initiated at any time
during Weeks 32 to 52.
Objectives
Primary:
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The primary objective of the pivotal studies was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of APR 30 mg BID
compared with placebo, in subjects with moderate to severe plaque PSOR.
Secondary:
The secondary objectives of the pivotal studies were to:
- Evaluate the safety and tolerability of apremilast 30 mg BID, compared with placebo, in subjects with
moderate to severe plaque PSOR
- Evaluate the effect of apremilast 30 mg BID, compared with placebo, on quality of life in subjects with
moderate to severe plaque PSOR
Outcomes/endpoints
The primary endpoint of both studies was the proportion of subjects treated with either APR 30 mg BID or
placebo who achieved a PASI-75 response at Week 16 compared to baseline.
The major secondary endpoint was the proportion of subjects treated with either APR 30mg BID or
placebo with an sPGA score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) with at least a 2-point reduction from baseline
at Week 16 (Feldman, 2005).
Other endpoints: Body Surface Area; Pruritus Visual Analog Scale Assessment; Dermatology Life Quality
Index; Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale; Nail Psoriasis Severity Index; Scalp Physician
Global Assessment; Palmoplantar Psoriasis Physician Global Assessment; Medical Outcome Study Short
Form 36-item Health Survey; European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions Questionnaire; Work Limitations
Questionnaire-25.
Sample size
Approximately 825 subjects were to be randomised into PSOR-008, with 550 subjects in APR 30 mg BID
arm and 275 subjects in the placebo arm and 405 subjects were to be randomised into PSOR-009, with
270 subjects on APR 30 mg BID and 135 on placebo. Sample size estimation for the primary endpoint was
based on results of the Phase 2b study, PSOR-005. A chi-square test with a 0.05 2-sided significance level
provided 90% power to detect a 20% difference (30% versus 10%) between APR 30 mg BID and placebo
for the proportion of subjects achieving at least a PASI-75 at Week 16 when the total sample size was
approximately 189 with a 2:1 randomisation.
Randomisation
Subjects were randomised in a 2:1 ratio to receive either apremilast 30 mg BID or placebo, using the
IVRS. After 16 weeks of treatment, all subjects originally randomised to placebo were switched to receive
apremilast 30 mg BID. In order to evaluate the time to relapse/loss of effect, at Week 32, subjects who
were initially randomised to apremilast 30 mg BID and had achieved a response, were re-randomised to
either placebo or apremilast 30 mg BID in a 1:1 ratio. No stratification factor was utilized in these studies.
Blinding (masking)
Blinding was maintained by the use of identical blister cards for all subjects.
Statistical methods
The statistical methods and missing data handling approaches were identical in the two individual studies.
The analysis of the primary efficacy endpoint, PASI-75 response at Week 16 was compared between APR
30 mg BID and placebo using LOCF and a two-sided Chi-Square test. Supportive analyses were performed
for: (1) FAS population treating missing values as nonresponders (NRI), (2) FAS population treating
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dropouts due to adverse event or lack of efficacy as non-responders and other dropouts using LOCF, (3)
PP population using LOCF method for imputing missing values, (4) Analyses using CMH test stratified by
pooled sites for FAS population using LOCF method for imputing missing values. The major secondary
endpoint, sPGA response, was analyzed similarly, conditioned on observing a statistically significant
result for the primary endpoint.
Results
Participant flow
Figure 7 - Subject Disposition in Study PSOR-008
Figure 8 - Subject Disposition in Study PSOR-009
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Recruitment
PSOR-008:
Study initiation date: 22 September 2010
Study completion date: 02 November 2011 (Week 52)
PSOR-009:
Study initiation date: 30 November 2010
Study completion date: 24 November 2011 (Week 52)
Conduct of the study
In study PSOR-008 the changes to the protocol included 4 protocol amendments.
In study PSOR-009 the changes to the protocol included 3 protocol amendments.
Baseline data
The demographic characteristics of subjects at baseline were similar across studies, were generally well
balanced across treatment groups, and were representative of a typical population in psoriasis clinical
trials (Table 32). In Study PSOR-008 and Study PSOR-009, the majority of subjects were white (89.7%
and 92.0%, respectively) and male (67.9% and 67.2%, respectively) with a median age of 46.0 years.
Generally, mean weight and mean BMI were comparable across Study PSOR-008 (93.38 kg and 31.26
kg/m2, respectively) and Study PSOR-009 (91.10 kg and 30.80 kg/m2, respectively). Additionally, in
both studies, approximately one-half of subjects were obese (≥ 30 kg/m2) and one-fourth of subjects
were morbidly obese (≥ 35 kg/m2).
In general, the patient demographic profile of Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009 was considered
comparable to patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Approximately one third of subjects in Study
PSOR-008 were from US sites and about one-third from Canadian sites; approximately 14% each were
from sites in Europe and the Rest of World. In Study PSOR-009, approximately 50%, 22%, and 28% of
subjects were from sites in the US, Canada, and Europe, respectively.
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Table 32: Baseline Demographic Characteristics in Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009 (FAS)
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Table 33: Baseline Demographic Characteristics (Pooled Analysis; FAS)
Baseline Disease History and Characteristics
The disease history and disease activity of subjects was generally well balanced across studies and
between treatment groups (Table 34). In Study PSOR-008, the median duration of plaque psoriasis was
16.95 years (mean of 19.40 years). Almost all of the subjects (95.9%) had a history of scalp psoriasis and
the majority of subjects had a history of nail psoriasis (68.5%). The median BSA affected was 20.00%
(mean of 24.71%) and the median PASI score at baseline was 16.80 (mean of 18.95). The majority of
subjects (70.3%) had a sPGA score of 3 (moderate), and more than 99% had 3 (moderate) or 4 (severe)
sPGA at baseline.
In Study PSOR-009, the median duration of plaque psoriasis (time elapsed since diagnosis) was 15.80
years (mean of 18.19 years). Almost all of the subjects (92.7%) had a history of scalp psoriasis and the
majority of subjects had a history of nail psoriasis (67.6%). The median BSA affected was 21.50% (mean
of 26.17%) and the median PASI score at baseline was 16.80 (mean of 19.30). The majority of subjects
(69.6%) had an sPGA score of 3 (moderate), and more than 99% had 3 (moderate) or 4 (severe) sPGA
at baseline.
Approximately 30% of subjects in both studies had severe disease, as measured by an sPGA of 4 (severe)
or a PASI > 20. In addition, approximately 50% or more of the subjects in each study had a BSA
involvement of > 20%, another measure of severe disease.
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Table 34: Psoriasis Disease History and Baseline Values (Pooled Analysis; FAS)
Prior Use of Psoriasis-related Therapies
The psoriasis-related therapies that were previously used by subjects prior to enrolment in the study were
similar across the 2 studies and were generally well balanced across treatment groups (Table 35). In both
studies, approximately 55% of the subjects had been treated previously with systemic therapy (i.e.,
conventional systemic and/or biologics). Approximately 40% of subjects were previously treated with
conventional systemic therapies (including treatment failures), approximately 30% had prior exposure to
biologics (including treatment failures), and 17% to 29% had prior exposure to TNF blockers.
Approximately one-third of subjects had received prior phototherapy. Approximately one-third of the
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subjects (35.2% in Study PSOR-008 and 35.8% in Study PSOR-009) were naive to prior systemic and/or
phototherapy.
Table 35: Prior Psoriasis Therapies
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Numbers analysed
PSOR-008
Table 36: Number of Subjects Included in Data Sets Analyzed in the Placebocontrolled Phase (Weeks 0 to 16; Randomized Subjects)
Full Analysis Set
a
b
Per protocol Population
c
Safety Population
Placebo
N=282
n (%)
APR 30 BID
N = 562
n (%)
Total
N = 844
n (%)
282 (100.0)
562 (100.0)
844 (100.0)
276 (97.9)
555 (98.8)
831 (98.5)
282 (100.0)
560 (99.6)
842 (99.8)
APR 30 BID = apremilast 30 mg twice daily; IP = investigational product; PASI = Psoriasis Area and Severity
a
Index’ sPGA = static Physician Global Assessment; Subjects who were randomized as specified in the protocol. Subjects who were
b
randomized in error and did not have IP dispensed were excluded from full analysis set; Subjects who were randomized according
to the protocol, received at least 1 dose of IP, had at least 1 postbaseline PASI or sPGA evaluation, and had no protocol violations that
c
may substantially affect the results of the primary and major secondary endpoint evaluation;
Subjects who were randomized and
received at least 1 dose of IP.
PSOR-009
Table 37: Number of Subjects Included in Data Sets Analyzed in the Placebocontrolled Phase (Weeks 0 to 16; Randomized Subjects)
Placebo
N=138
n (%)
APR 30 BID
N=275
n (%)
137 (99.3)
274 (99.6)
Total
N=41
3n
(%)
411 (99.5)
b
Per protocol population
134 (97.1)
266 (96.7)
400 (96.9)
c
Safety population
136 (98.6)
272 (98.9)
408 (98.8)
Data Set
Full analysis set
a
APR 30 BID = apremilast 30 mg twice daily; IP = investigational product; PASI = Psoriasis Activity and Severity Index; sPGA = static
Physician Global Assessment; a Subjects who were randomized as specified in the protocol. Subjects who were randomized in error
and did not have IP dispensed were excluded from full analysis set; b Subjects who were randomized according to the protocol,
received at least one dose of IP, had at least 1 postbaseline PASI or sPGA evaluation, and had no protocol violations that may have
substantially affect the results of the primary and major secondary endpoint evaluation; c Subjects who were randomized and received
at least one dose of IP.
Outcomes and estimation
Comparison of Results of Individual Studies
The individual study results from Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009 are presented side-by-side in this
section to demonstrate the consistency of effect observed with apremilast in the treatment of subjects
with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis
Placebo-controlled Phase (Weeks 0 to 16)
Primary Efficacy Analysis
The primary efficacy endpoint in both studies was the proportion of subjects achieving at least a 75%
reduction from baseline in the PASI score (PASI-75) at Week 16 (Table 38 and Figure 9).
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Table 38 - Proportion of Subjects Achieving a PASI-75 at Week 16 in Studies PSOR-008 and
PSOR-009 (FAS; LOCF).
Figure 9 - Proportion of Subjects Achieving a PASI-75 at Week 16 in Studies PSOR-008 and
PSOR-009 (FAS; LOCF)
In both studies, a statistically significantly greater proportion of subjects in the APR 30 BID treatment
group achieved the primary endpoint, compared with placebo (p < 0.0001 for both studies), as evaluated
using the primary analysis method (ie, missing values at Week 16 imputed using LOCF). The response
rates for the placebo and APR 30 BID treatment groups were 5.3% and 33.1%, respectively, in Study
PSOR-008 and were 5.8% and 28.8%, respectively, in Study PSOR-009. In both studies, the placebo
response rates were low, as typically observed in well-conducted psoriasis trials.
Sensitivity Analyses for the Primary Endpoint
The results for the primary endpoint were supported by the sensitivity analyses conducted to assess the
impact of missing data in the:
1. FAS population treating subjects with missing values as nonresponders (nonresponder
imputation [NRI])
2. FAS population treating dropouts due to an AE or lack of efficacy as nonresponders and other
dropouts using LOCF
3. PP population using the LOCF method for imputing missing values
4. FAS population using the LOCF method for imputing values stratified by geographical region, and
5. FAS population using the LOCF method for imputing values stratified by pooled sites.
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All these sensitivity analyses demonstrated similar results and statistically significant differences between
the APR 30 mg BID treatment group compared with the placebo treatment group (p <0.0001 for all
sensitivity analyses). Additionally, the potential for site treatment interaction was analyzed by pooling
sites within each region to create “sites” that had a prespecified minimum of 30 subjects (site pooling is
discussed in the individual study statistical analysis plans. This analysis demonstrated statistically
significant treatment differences in both studies for the APR 30 mg BID treatment group compared with
the placebo treatment group, results that were similar to the analysis using a chi-square test (Table 39).
Table 39: Sensitivity Analyses for Primary Endpoint (PASI-75 Response at Week 16) for
Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009
Major Secondary Efficacy Analysis
The major secondary endpoint in both studies was the proportion of subjects achieving sPGA score of 0
(clear) or 1 (almost clear), with at least a 2-point reduction from baseline at Week 16.
In both studies, a statistically significantly greater proportion of subjects in the APR 30 BID treatment
group achieved the endpoint compared with placebo (p < 0.0001) (Table 40 and Figure 10). The response
rates in the placebo and APR 30 BID treatment groups were 3.9% and 21.7%, respectively, in Study
PSOR-008, and were 4.4% and 20.4%, respectively, in Study PSOR-009.
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Table 40: Proportion of Subjects Who Achieved a Secondary Response (sPGA Response at
Week 16) in Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009 (FAS; LOCF)
Figure 10 - Proportion of Subjects Who Achieved a Secondary Response (sPGA Response at
Week 16) in Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009 (FAS; LOCF)
Sensitivity Analyses for the Major Secondary Endpoint
The results for the major secondary endpoint were supported by the same sensitivity analyses conducted
for the primay endpoint.
These sensitivity analyses demonstrated similar results and statistically significant differences for the APR
30 mg BID treatment group compared with the placebo treatment group (p <0.0001 for all sensitivity
analyses).
Additionally, the potential for site treatment interaction was analyzed by pooling sites within each region
to create “sites” that had a prespecified minimum of 30 subjects. The 2-sided p-value was >0.05 in both
studies, indicating no statistically significant interaction. Among sensitivity analyses, the CMH test
adjusted by pooled site was performed for sPGA. This analysis demonstrated statistically significant
treatment differences in both studies for the APR 30 mg BID treatment group compared with the placebo
treatment group, results that were similar to the analysis using achi-square test (Table 41).
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Table 41: Sensitivity Analyses for the Major Secondary Endpoint (sPGA Response at Week 16)
for Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009.
Endpoints in Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009 were analyzed in a hierarchical fashion to control the Type
I error rate, as outlined in the studies’ statistical analysis plans (Section 10.2 of the PSOR-008 SAP serves
as a representative example).
Composite Endpoint: PASI-75 and sPGA Response at Week 16
The composite endpoint was defined as the number of subjects who achieved both a PASI-75 and sPGA
scores of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) with at least a 2-point reduction from baseline at Week 16.
In both pivotal studies, a nominally significantly greater proportion of subjects in the APR 30 BID
treatment group achieved the composite endpoint at Week 16 compared with placebo (nominal p <
0.0001) (Table 42). Similar findings were observed in the PP population.
Table 42: Proportion of Subjects Achieving Both PASI-75 and sPGA Score Response at Week
16 (Composite Endpoint) in Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009 (FAS; LOCF)
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Percent Change in Body Surface Area Involvement From Baseline at Week 16
Affected BSA is a measure of the percentage of BSA that is covered by psoriasis lesions, with >20% being
a measure of “severe” disease (Winterfield, 2004). The mean affected BSA involvement in both studies
was approximately 25% at baseline. Approximately half of the subjects had a baseline BSA >20%.
In both pivotal studies, subjects treated with APR 30 mg BID achieved statistically significant
improvement (reduction) in the change from baseline in psoriasis affected BSA at Week 16 compared with
placebo (p <0.0001) (Table 43). The mean percent changes from baseline in BSA involvement for the
placebo and APR 30 mg BID treatment groups were -6.94% and -47.80%, respectively, in Study
PSOR-008 and were -6.14% and -48.45%, respectively, in Study PSOR-009.
Table 43: Percent Change From Baseline in Psoriasis Affected BSA at Week 16 in Studies
PSOR-008 and PSOR-009 (FAS; LOCF)
Percent Change in PASI Score From Baseline at Week 16
In both pivotal studies, subjects treated with APR 30 mg BID achieved a statistically significant
improvement (reduction) in PASI score from baseline at Week 16 compared with placebo (p <0.0001).
The mean percent changes in PASI score for the placebo and APR 30 mg BID treatment groups were
-16.7% and -52.1%, respectively, in Study PSOR-008, and were -15.8% and -50.9%, respectively, in
Study PSOR-009 (Table 44). The median percent changes in PASI score for the placebo and APR 30 mg
BID treatment groups were -14.0% and -59.0%, respectively, in Study PSOR-008, and were -18.0% and
-56.0%, respectively, in Study PSOR-009.
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Table 44: Percent Change in PASI Score From Baseline at Week 16
Change in Pruritus VAS Score From Baseline at Week 16:
The subject population was highly pruritic at baseline, with a mean Pruritus VAS score ranging from about
65 to 68 mm in the treatment groups for the 2 studies. In both pivotal studies, subjects treated with APR
30 mg BID achieved a statistically significant improvement (reduction) in the Pruritus VAS score at Week
16 compared with placebo (p <0.0001) (Table 45). The mean decrease of 31.5 mm for the APR 30 mg BID
treatment group at Week 16 in Study PSOR-008 and the mean decrease of 33.5 mm in Study PSOR-009
represented about a 50% decrease in pruritus severity from baseline. In both studies, rapid and clinically
meaningful responses were observed as early as Week 2 of APR 30 mg BID treatment based on
differences (non-overlapping CIs) in the mean change in Pruritus VAS between treatment groups.
Table 45: Change in Pruritus VAS Score From Baseline at Week 16 in Studies PSOR-008 and
PSOR-009 (FAS; LOCF)
Change in DLQI Total Score from Baseline at Week 16
The mean DLQI Total Scores at baseline were approximately 12.5 in both pivotal studies, indicating a
significant impact of psoriasis on the subjects’ quality of life. In both studies, subjects treated with APR 30
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mg BID achieved statistically significant improvement (reduction) in the DLQI Total Score at Week 16
compared with placebo (p <0.0001).
The mean changes from baseline were -2.1 and -6.6 for subjects treated with placebo or APR 30 mg BID,
respectively, in Study PSOR-008 and were -2.8 and -6.7, respectively, in Study PSOR-009. The mean
improvement at Week 16 for the APR 30 mg BID treatment group of 6.6 in Study PSOR-008, and 6.7 in
Study PSOR-009, exceeded the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) of at least a 5-point
decrease from baseline (Finlay, 1994; NICE, 2012).
The proportion of subjects achieving at least a 5-point decrease in DLQI in the placebo and APR 30 BID
treatment groups were 33.5% and 70.2%, respectively, in Study PSOR-008, and were 42.9% and 70.8%,
respectively, in Study PSOR-009.
Visual Analog Scales
Improvements in the subjects’ self-assessment of various aspects of their disease as measured by VAS
were observed in subjects treated with APR 30 mg BID compared to placebo at Week 16.
Subjects treated with APR 30 BID achieved nominally significant improvements (decreases) in both
studies in the Skin Discomfort/Pain VAS score at Week 16 compared with placebo (nominal p <0.0001)
(Table 46). The mean decreases of 28.3 mm and 28.5 mm for the APR 30 mg BID treatment group at
Week 16 in Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009, respectively, represented about a 50% decrease in Skin
Discomfort/Pain from baseline.
Subjects treated with APR 30 BID achieved nominally significant improvements (decreases) in both
studies in Subject’s Global Assessment of Psoriasis Disease Activity VAS score at Week 16 compared with
placebo (nominal p <0.0001).
In Study PSOR-008, 20.5% of subjects entered study with PsA at baseline and in Study PSOR-009, 13.4%
of subjects entered study with PsA at baseline. Subjects treated with APR 30 mg BID in Study PSOR-008
achieved nominally significant improvements in PsA Disease Activity.
VAS score at Week 16 compared with placebo (nominal p = 0.0033). The improvements (decreases) in
Study PSOR-009 were numerically greater for the APR 30 BID treatment group compared with the
placebo treatment group (p = 0.1618).
Table 46: Summary of Skin Discomfort/Pain VAS in Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009 for the
Placebo-controlled Phase (Weeks 0 to 16; FAS; LOCF)
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Health-related Quality of Life
Improvements in measures of quality of life were generally observed with APR 30 BID treatment
compared to placebo at Week 16 in both studies.
Nail Assessments
Overall, 558 of the 844 subjects (66%) enrolled in Study PSOR-008 and 266 of the 411 subjects (64.7%)
enrolled in Study PSOR-009 had nail psoriasis at baseline (Table 47). Among these subjects, a statistically
significant improvement (reduction) in NAPSI score from baseline was detected in subjects treated with
APR 30 BID at Week 16 compared with placebo (p <0.0001, Study PSOR-008, p = 0.0052, Study
PSOR-009). The percent mean change from baseline at Week 16 for placebo-treated subjects was 6.5%
and -7.1% in Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009, respectively, and for apremilast-treated subjects was
-22.5% and -29.0% in Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009, respectively.
Table 47: Summary of Nail-related Analyses in Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009 for the
Placebo-controlled Phase (Weeks 0 to 16; FAS With Baseline Nail Psoriasis Involvement ≥ 1;
LOCF)
Scalp Psoriasis
Overall, 563 of the 844 subjects enrolled in Study PSOR-008 and 269 of the 411 subjects enrolled in
Study PSOR-009 had moderate or more severe scalp psoriasis at Baseline (ScPGA ≥3). Among these
subjects, a statistically significantly greater proportion of subjects treated with APR 30 mg BID achieved
an ScPGA score of 0 or 1 (clear or minimal) at Week 16 compared with placebo (p <0.0001) in both pivotal
studies (Table 48).
The proportion of subjects with an ScPGA score of 0 or 1 (clear or minimal) were 17.5% and 46.5% for
placebo and APR 30 mg BID treatment groups, respectively, in Study PSOR-008 and were 17.2% and
40.9%, respectively in Study PSOR-009. A nominally significantly greater proportion of subjects treated
with APR 30 mg BID achieved improvements in the ScPGA score of 0, 1, or 2 (clear, minimal, or mild) at
Week 16 compared with placebo (nominal p <0.0001) in both studies.
The response rates for a ScPGA score of 0, 1, or 2 (clear, minimal, or mild) were 35.4% and 68.7% for
placebo and APR 30 mg BID treatment groups, respectively, in Study PSOR-008 and were 41.9% and
67.0%, respectively in Study PSOR-009.
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Table 48: Summary of Scalp Psoriasis-related Analyses in Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009
for the Placebo-controlled Phase (Weeks 0 to 16; FAS With ScPGA ≥ 3 at Baseline; LOCF)
Palmoplantar Psoriasis
A total of 83 subjects in Study PSOR-008 and 42 subjects in Study PSOR-009 had moderate or severe
palmoplantar psoriasis (PPPGA Score of 3 or 4 [moderate or severe]) at baseline.
Among subjects with a PPPGA baseline score ≥3 (moderate or greater) in Study PSOR-008, a larger
proportion of subjects treated with APR 30 mg BID showed improvement in the palmoplantar psoriasis
(PPPGA score to 0 or 1[clear or almost clear]) compared with placebo (Table 49). This difference was
numerically greater in Study PSOR-008 (p = 0.4912) and nominally significantly greater in Study
PSOR-009 (nominal p = 0.0315).
Table 49: Summary of Palmoplantar Psoriasis Analyses in Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009
for the Placebo-controlled Phase (Weeks 0 to 16; FAS With Baseline PPPGA ≥ 3; LOCF).
Maintenance Phase (Weeks 16 to 32)
Psoriasis Area and Severity Index
For both studies, the PASI-75 response rates for subjects originally randomized to APR 30 mg BID peaked
around Week 16 and were generally maintained through Week 32. Subjects originally randomized to
placebo demonstrated a response to apremilast treatment, similar to that seen for subjects originally
randomized to APR 30 mg BID at baseline. By Week 24, the PASI response rates for subjects who were
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originally randomized to placebo following 8 weeks of APR 30 BID treatment were generally comparable
to those for subjects receiving 24 weeks of APR 30 mg BID.
By Week 32, the PASI response rates for subjects who were originally randomized to placebo following 16
weeks of APR 30 BID treatment were also generally comparable to those for subjects receiving 32 weeks
of APR 30 BID (Table 50).
Table 50: PASI Score Analyses During the Maintenance Phase (Weeks 16 to 32) in Studies
PSOR-008 and PSOR-009 (FAS)
Static Physician Global Assessment:
The sPGA response rates for subjects originally randomized to APR 30 mg BID peaked around Week 16 in
both studies and were generally maintained through Week 32. Subjects originally randomized to placebo
demonstrated rapid sPGA response following initiation of apremilast treatment, similar to that seen for
subjects originally randomized to APR 30 mg BID at baseline.
By Week 24, the response rates for subjects originally randomized to placebo following 8 weeks of APR 30
BID treatment were similar to those for subjects who received 24 weeks of APR 30 BID (Table 51).
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Table 51: Proportion of Subjects Achieving an sPGA Response During the Maintenance Phase
(Weeks 16 to 32) in Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009 (FAS)
Body Surface Area Involvement
At Week 32, after placebo subjects had been treated with APR 30 BID for 16 weeks, reductions in BSA
involvement were similar between the treatment groups, and greater than the changes at Week 16. The
mean percent changes (improvement) from baseline in BSA involvement for the placebo/APR 30 mg BID
and APR 30 mg BID/APR 30 BID treatment groups were -59.25% and -61.18%, respectively, in Study
PSOR-008 and -58.73% and -60.67%, respectively, in Study PSOR-009 (Table 52).
Table 52: Percent Change From Baseline in Psoriasis Affected BSA During the Maintenance
Phase (Weeks 16 to 32) in Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009 (FAS)
Dermatology Life Quality Index
At Weeks 24 and 32 in both studies, subjects originally randomized to placebo achieved similar changes
in DLQI Total Scores from baseline as did those subjects originally randomized to APR 30 mg BID (Table
53) and were greater than the changes observed at Week 16 (Table 54). Among subjects with a baseline
DLQI Total Score >5, the proportion of subjects who achieved a decrease (improvement) of at least 5
points from baseline (MCID; Finlay, 1994; NICE, 2012) at Weeks 24 and 32 was similar between the
treatment groups in Study PSOR-008 (approximately60% of subjects). In the APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID
treatment group in Study PSOR-009, 59.3% and 50.9% of subjects achieved a decrease (improvement)
of at least 5 points from baseline in DLQI Total Score (MCID) at Weeks 24 and 32, respectively, and in the
placebo/APR 30 BID treatment group, 72.8% and 65.2% of subjects achieved at least a 5-point decrease
in DLQI Total Score at Weeks 24 and 32, respectively.
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Table 53: Change From Baseline in DLQI Total Score During the Maintenance Phase (Weeks
16 to 32) in Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009 (FAS)
Table 54: Proportion of Subjects Who Achieved a Decrease of at Least 5 Points in DLQI Total
Score During the Maintenance Phase Weeks 16 to 32) in Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009
(FAS)
Visual Analog Scales
During the Maintenance Phase (Weeks 16 to 32), improvements in VAS-related endpoints were generally
maintained in subjects who continued to receive apremilast (APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID). Subjects who were
originally randomized to placebo at Week 0 and transitioned to APR 30 BID at Week 16 (placebo/APR 30
BID) achieved similar responses to those observed in subjects randomized to apremilast at the baseline
visit (APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID) and treated for 32 weeks. These responses were evident beginning at
Week 24, following 8 weeks of apremilast therapy (Table 55).
At Weeks 24 and 32, subjects in the placebo/APR 30 BID treatment groups achieved similar
improvements (decreases) in the Pruritus VAS compared with subjects in the APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID
treatment group, with mean decreases of approximately 30 mm or greater in both studies. Similar
improvements in the Skin Discomfort/Pain VAS (mean decreases of approximately 30 mm) were
observed in both the placebo/APR 30 BID and APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID treatment group.
In both studies, the pruritus and skin discomfort/pain responses in subjects originally randomized to APR
30 BID were observed by Week 2, plateaued by about Week 8, and were maintained through Week 32.
Subjects originally randomized to placebo demonstrated a similar rapid improvement in pruritus and skin
discomfort/pain following initiation of apremilast treatment at Week 16, which was also maintained
through Week 32.
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Table 55: Pruritus VAS and Skin Discomfort/Pain VAS During the Maintenance Phase (Weeks
16 to 32) in Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009 (FAS)
Health-related Quality of Life
Overall, improvements in health-related quality of life assessments were observed with apremilast
treatment at Weeks 24 and 32. In both studies, subjects originally randomized to placebo at baseline and
treated with APR 30 BID beginning at Week 16 achieved similar improvements (increases) in SF-36v2
MCS by Weeks 24 and 32 as subjects originally randomized to APR 30 mg BID. At Weeks 24 and 32, the
mean changes for the APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID treatment group exceeded the MCID of 2.5 in Study
PSOR-008, and the mean changes for both treatment groups (placebo/APR 30 BID and APR 30 BID/APR
30 BID) reached or exceeded the MCID of 2.5 in Study PSOR-009.
Improvements in SF-36v2 PCS Scores reached or exceeded the MCID of 2.5 for the placebo/APR 30 BID
treatment group in Study PSOR-009 at Weeks 24 and 32.
In the APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID treatment group, improvements (decreases) in PHQ-8 Total
Scores were generally maintained at Weeks 24 and 32. In the placebo/APR 30 BID treatment group,
improvements (decreases) in PHQ-8 Total Score were evident by Week 24 and continued through Week
32.
Nail Assessments
In both studies, subjects originally randomized to APR 30 BID who had nail involvement at baseline
achieved a greater improvement (reduction in total score) in overall NAPSI score at Weeks 24 and 32
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compared with subjects originally randomized to placebo and then treated with APR 30 BID (Table 56). In
addition, the subjects originally randomized to APR 30 BID achieved even better (lower) NAPSI scores at
Weeks 24 and 32 than at Week 16. This is expected, as longer treatment periods allow for a greater
outgrowth of healthy nails leading to improved NAPSI scores. As such, the lower scores for subjects
originally randomized to placebo are probably due to the shorter time on active treatment. In addition, a
greater proportion of subjects originally randomized to APR 30 BID achieved a NAPSI-50 at Weeks 24 and
32 compared with subjects originally randomized to placebo. At Weeks 24 and 32, subjects originally
randomized to APR 30 BID achieved a larger decrease in the number of involved nails, compared with
subjects originally randomized to placebo.
Table 56: Nail Psoriasis Analyses During the Maintenance Phase (Weeks 16 to 32) in Studies
PSOR-008 and PSOR-009 (FAS With Baseline Nail Psoriasis Involvement ≥ 1)
Scalp Psoriasis
Of the subjects with ScPGA score ≥ 3 (moderate or greater) at baseline, the proportion of subjects who
achieved an improvement of ScPGA score of 0 or 1 (clear or minimal) was numerically greater for the
placebo/APR 30 BID group than for the APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID group at Weeks 24 and 32 (Table 57).
The differences between the treatment groups were greater for Study PSOR-009 than Study PSOR-008.
Similar findings were observed for subjects who achieved an improvement of ScPGA score of 0, 1, or 2
(clear, minimal, or mild).
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Table 57: Scalp Psoriasis Analyses During the Maintenance Phase (Weeks 16 to 32) in Studies
PSOR-008 and PSOR-009 (FAS With Baseline ScPGA ≥ 3)
Palmoplantar Psoriasis
Of the subjects with a PPPGA score ≥3 (moderate or greater) at baseline, the proportion of subjects who
achieved an improvement of PPPGA score of 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear) was numerically greater for the
placebo/APR 30 BID group than for the APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID group at Weeks 24 and 32 (Table 58).
Table 58: Palmoplantar Psoriasis Analyses During the Maintenance Phase (Weeks 16 to 32) in
Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009 (FAS With Baseline PPPGA ≥ 3)
Randomized Treatment Withdrawal Phase (Weeks 32 to 52).
Subjects who were re-randomized were those subjects originally randomized to APR 30 mg BID and
achieved a PASI-75 response (Study PSOR-008) or at least a PASI-50 response (Study PSOR-009) at
Week 32 , were re-randomized to either APR 30 mg BID or placebo in order to evaluate time to first loss
of effect.
Subjects who were not re-randomized were those subjects originally randomized to APR 30 BID and did
not achieve a PASI-75 response (Study PSOR-008) or at least a PASI-50 response (Study PSOR-009) at
Week 32 or were those subjects originally randomized to placebo (regardless of response). In Study
PSOR-008, there were 4 subjects originally randomized to APR 30 mg BID who achieved a PASI-75
response who were not re randomized at Week 32.In Study PSOR-009, there was one subject originally
randomized to APR 30 BID who achieved a PASI-50 response who was not re randomized at Week 32.
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Additionally, non responders (<PASI-50) in both studies and partial responders in Study PSOR-008
(PASI-50 to PASI-74) had the option of adding topical medications and/or UVB rescue therapy beginning
at Week 32 at the discretion of the investigator.
Time to First Loss of PASI-75 Response (Loss of Effect in Study PSOR-008)
The time to first loss of effect was defined in Study PSOR-008 as the time when loss of PASI-75 response
first occurred after re randomization in the Randomized Treatment Withdrawal Phase (Figure 11). In the
Randomized Treatment Withdrawal Phase, 77 subjects were re-randomized to placebo (APR 30 BID/APR
30 BID/placebo) and 77 subjects were re randomized to APR 30 BID (APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/APR 30
BID) at Week 32.
Of the re-randomized subjects in the APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/placebo and APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/APR
30 BID treatment group, 63/77 subjects (81.8%) and 40/77 subjects (51.9%), respectively, lost PASI-75
response at some time point during the Randomized Treatment Withdrawal Phase.
The number of censored subjects (those subjects whose time to loss of PASI-75 could not be determined
or who did not lose PASI-75 prior to Week 52) was 14 (18.2%) and 37 (48.1%) in the APR 30 BID/APR 30
BID/placebo and APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID treatment groups, respectively
For the APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/placebo and APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID treatment groups, the
median time to first loss of PASI-75 was 5.1 weeks and 17.7 weeks from the Week 32 re randomization,
respectively (nominal p < 0.0001).
Some subjects on APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID regained PASI-75 at later time points following
loss of the response.
Figure 11 - Time to First Loss of PASI-75 Response During the Randomized Treatment
Withdrawal Phase (Weeks 32 to 52) in Study PSOR-008
Time to First Loss of 50% Improvement of PASI Score (Loss of Effect in Study PSOR-009).
In contrast to PSOR-008, the time to first loss of effect in Study PSOR-009 was defined as loss of 50% of
the improvement in PASI score obtained at Week 32 compared to baseline after re randomization in the
Randomized Treatment Withdrawal Phase (Figure 12). Subjects eligible to be re-randomized were
≥PASI-50 responders. In the Randomized Treatment Withdrawal Phase, 62 subjects were re-randomized
to placebo (APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/placebo) and 61 subjects were re randomized to APR 30 BID (APR 30
BID/APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID) at Week 32.
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For the APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/placebo and APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID treatment groups,
respectively, 35/62 subjects (56.5%) and 7/61 subjects (11.5%) lost 50% of their Week 32 PASI
improvement at some time point during the Randomized Treatment Withdrawal Phase. The number of
censored subjects (those subjects where time to loss of 50% of their PASI improvement could not be
determined or who did not lose 50% of their PASI improvement prior to Week 52) was 27 (43.5%) and 54
(88.5%) in the APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/placebo and APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID treatment
groups, respectively
The median time to a loss of 50% of the improvement in PASI score obtained at Week 32 compared to
baseline was 12.4 and 21.9 weeks following the Week 32 re-randomization for the APR 30 BID/APR 30
BID/placebo and APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID treatment groups, respectively (nominal p <
0.0001).
Figure 12 - Time to First Loss of 50% of PASI Improvement During the Randomized
Treatment Withdrawal Phase (Weeks 32 to 52) in Study PSOR-009
Response Outcomes in Study PSOR-008
Of the subjects who lost their PASI-75 response, the magnitude of loss was greater for those on placebo
compared with those on APR 30 mg BID. Of the subjects who lost their PASI-75 response while remaining
on APR 30 mg BID treatment, almost 60% were just below PASI-75 (PASI 70 to 74) when response was
lost, and 90% were still above PASI-60. Of the 63 subjects who were re randomized to placebo and lost
their PASI-75 response, approximately 30% were just below PASI-75 (PASI 70 to 74) when the response
was lost, and approximately 70% were above PASI-60.
Response Outcomes in Study PSOR-009
Fewer subjects (11.5%) re-randomized to APR 30 BID lost 50% of the PASI improvement obtained at
Week 32 compared with those re randomized to placebo (56.5%). Of the subjects who lost response, the
magnitude of loss was greater for those on placebo compared with those on APR 30 BID. Of the 7 subjects
who lost response while remaining on APR 30 mg BID treatment, 57.1% (4/7) were below PASI-30 at the
time of loss of response.
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Of the 35 subjects who were re-randomized to placebo and lost their response, 62.9% (22/35) were
below PASI-30 when the response was lost. A total of 61 subjects with a PASI-50 response at Week 32
were re-randomized to continue receiving APR 30 BID through Week 52, of whom, 36 subjects (59.0%)
were PASI-75 responders and 25 (41.0%) were PASI 50 to 74 responders. At Week 52, 30 of the 61
subjects (49.2%) were PASI-75 responders and 19 (31.1%) were PASI 50 to 74 responders.
Among subjects who had been PASI-75 responders at Week 32, 31 were re-randomized to placebo and 36
were re-randomized to APR 30 BID. Of the re-randomized subjects, 28/31 (90.3%) in the APR 30
BID/APR 30 BID/placebo and 17/36 (47.2%) in the APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID treatment groups
lost their PASI-75 response in the Randomized Withdrawal Treatment Phase.
For the APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/placebo and APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID treatment groups,
median time to first loss of PASI-75 was 4.3 weeks and 20.9 weeks from the Week 32 re randomization,
respectively (nominal p < 0.0001).
Retreatment Following Relapse in Study PSOR-008
Once subjects re-randomized to placebo demonstrated a loss of PASI-75 response, they resumed
treatment with APR 30 BID. This resumption of treatment with APR 30 BID occurred no later than Week
52.
A total of 64 of the 77 subjects re-randomized to placebo resumed treatment with APR 30 BID following
loss of PASI-75 response prior to Week 52. These 64 subjects were retreated with APR 30 BID for a mean
duration of 13.8 weeks.
Of these 64 retreated subjects, 70.3% achieved PASI-75 after retreatment during Weeks 32 to 52, with
51.6% of subjects regaining PASI-75 response within 4 weeks after retreatment.
Retreatment Following Relapse in Study PSOR-009
For subjects originally randomized to APR 30 mg BID at baseline (Week 0), PASI-50 responders were
randomly assigned 1:1 to maintain dosing on APR 30 mg BID or to placebo (treatment withdrawal) at
Week 32. Once subjects lost 50% improvement in PASI score obtained at Week 32 compared to baseline,
they resumed treatment with APR 30 mg BID. This resumption of treatment with APR 30 BID occurred
after Week 32 and prior to Week 52.
A total of 32 subjects re-randomized to placebo lost 50% of the PASI improvement at Week 32 compared
to baseline and resumed treatment with APR 30 mg BID during the Randomized Treatment Withdrawal
Phase. These 32 subjects were retreated with APR 30 BID for a mean duration of 11.4 weeks. Of these 32
retreated subjects, 65.6% achieved PASI-50 after retreatment at some time point, with 34.4%, 51.7%,
and 53.3% of subjects achieving PASI-50 after 4, 8, and 16 weeks of retreatment, respectively.
Static Physician Global Assessment
Of the subjects rerandomized to APR 30 mg BID, 75.3% of the subjects in Study PSOR-008 and 41.0% of
subjects in Study PSOR-009 had an sPGA score of 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear) at Week 32. At Week 52,
51.9% of the subjects in Study PSOR-008 and 36.1% of subjects in Study PSOR-009 had an sPGA score
of 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear).
Body Surface Area Involvement
In Study PSOR-008, all treatment groups (APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID, APR 30 BID/APR 30
BID/placebo and APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/placebo/APR 30 BID) had similar mean percent decreases in
BSA involvement from baseline (≥ 80%) at Week 52.
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In contrast, in Study PSOR-009, the mean percent decrease in BSA involvement from baseline was
approximately 80% for those subjects re-randomized to APR 30 mg BID but was approximately 64% to
66% for those subjects re-randomized to placebo. The differences observed between treatment groups
may be reflective of the protocol-specified population for re-randomization as well as definitions for loss
of response. In Study PSOR-008, re-randomized subjects were those who were PASI-75 responders at
Week 32, whereas in Study PSOR-009 it was the PASI-50 responders at Week 32 who were re
randomized.
Dermatology Life Quality Index
Subjects re-randomized to APR 30 mg BID experienced clinically meaningful improvements (mean and
median decreases) in DLQI Total Score from baseline of at least -7.5 at Week 52 in both studies. In Study
PSOR-008, 77% of subjects re randomized to APR 30 mg BID at Week 32 had clinically meaningful
improvement in DLQI (≥5-point decrease in DLQI; and composite endpoint of ≥5-point decrease in DLQI
and PASI-50 response) at Week 52. In Study PSOR-009, 70.0% had a ≥5-point decrease in DLQI Total
Score from baseline, and 62.0% achieved the composite endpoint of ≥5-point decrease in DLQI Total
Score from baseline and a PASI-50 response at Week 52.
Visual Analog Scales
During the Randomized Treatment Withdrawal Phase (Weeks 32 to 52) in both studies, subjects who
remained on APR 30 mg BID therapy (APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID) generally maintained
improvements in VAS-related endpoints.
In both studies, the subjects re-randomized to apremilast (APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID) generally
maintained improvements in Skin Discomfort/Pain VAS (>30 mm decrease from baseline) at Week 52.
Health-related Quality of Life
In general, improvements in health-related quality of life assessments were sustained by subjects in all
treatment groups during the Randomized Treatment Withdrawal Phase (Weeks 32 to 52). Subjects
re-randomized to APR 30 mg BID at Week 32 (APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID) achieved a mean
change (improvement) from baseline in SF-36v2 MCS of 3.87 in Study PSOR-008 and 3.20 in Study
PSOR-009 at Week 52; both exceeded the MCID of 2.5.
In both studies, subjects re-randomized to placebo (APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/placebo and APR 30
BID/APR 30 BID/placebo/APR 30 BID) also achieved improvements in SF-36v2 MCS that exceeded the
MCID of 2.5 at Week 52.
Subjects re-randomized to APR 30 mg BID at Week 32 achieved mean change (improvements) from
baseline in SF-36v2 PCS of 1.3 in Study PSOR-008 and 2.65 in Study PSOR-009 at Week 52.
For subjects re randomized to placebo at Week 32 in both studies, mean change (improvement) from
baseline at Week 52 was greater for subjects who remained on placebo treatment up to Week 52 (APR 30
BID/APR 30 BID/placebo) than for those subjects who resumed APR 30 BID treatment prior to Week 52
(APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/placebo/APR 30 BID).
Subjects re randomized to APR 30 BID at Week 32 achieved mean change (improvements) from baseline
in PHQ-8 of -0.7 in Study PSOR-008 and -1.0 in Study PSOR-009 at Week 52. For subjects re randomized
to placebo at Week 32 in Study PSOR-008, mean change (improvement) from baseline at Week 52 was
greater for subjects who remained on placebo treatment up to Week 52 (APR 30 BID/APR 30
BID/placebo) than for those subjects who resumed APR 30 BID treatment prior to Week 52 (APR 30
BID/APR 30 BID/placebo/APR 30 BID).
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In Study PSOR-009, the mean changes (improvements) were similar between subjects who remained on
placebo treatment up to Week 52 (APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/placebo) and for subjects who resumed APR
30 BID treatment prior to Week 52 (APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/placebo/APR 30 BID).
Nail Assessments
All nail parameters indicate sustained improvement in subjects treated with APR 30 BID from baseline
through Week 52. In both studies, subjects rerandomized to APR 30 mg BID at Week 32 had a mean
change in NAPSI score from baseline of approximately -60% at Week 52. The mean number of involved
nails in this treatment group decreased by 3.3 and 2.7 in Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009, respectively,
ie, these nails were cleared of psoriasis. Approximately 63% of subjects re-randomized to APR 30 BID at
Week 32 in both studies achieved NAPSI-50 at Week 52.
Scalp Psoriasis
In Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009, among subjects with moderate or more severe scalp psoriasis at
baseline who rerandomized to APR 30 BID at Week 32, over 72% and 54%, respectively, achieved ScPGA
scores of 0 or 1 (clear or minimal) at Week 52 and 77.1% and 62.2%, respectively, achieved ScPGA
scores of 0, 1, or 2 (clear, minimal, or mild) at Week 52.
In Study PSOR-008, among subjects with moderate or more severe scalp psoriasis at baseline who
rerandomized to placebo and resumed APR 30 mg BID, approximately 52% of subjects had an ScPGA
score of 0 or 1 (clear or minimal) at Week 52 and 67.4% had an ScPGA score of 0, 1, or 2 (clear, minimal,
or mild) at Week 52. In Study PSOR-009, among subjects with moderate or more severe scalp psoriasis
at baseline who rerandomized to placebo and resumed APR 30 BID, 17.5% of subjects had an ScPGA
score of 0 or 1 at Week 52 and 27.5% had an ScPGA score of 0, 1, or 2 (clear, minimal, or mild) at Week
52.
Palmoplantar Psoriasis
In Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009, among subjects with a moderate or severe palmoplantar psoriasis
at baseline who rerandomized to APR 30 mg BID, 87.5% and 100%, respectively, achieved PPPGA scores
of 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear) at Week 52 and 87.5% and 100%, respectively, achieved PPPGA scores
of 0, 1, or 2 (clear, almost clear, or mild) at Week 52.
2.5.3. Discussion on clinical efficacy
Design and conduct of clinical studies
Psoriatic arthritis
The MAH has undertaken four multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 clinical
studies (PSA002, PSA003,PSA004 PSA-005) and one additional phase 2 study in support of this
application in patients with active arthritis. None of these studies were conducted with an active
comparator. While this complies with the CHMP guidance and scientific advice, the CHMP considered that
it would have been helpful if an active controlled arm had been included. The applicant has provided a
comparison of the efficacy and safety with historical data for a range of small molecule and large molecule
DMARDs which gives some indication as to how apremilast might compare with other active treatments.
The studies did not include endpoints to show the impact of apremilast on progression of structural
changes however although no radiographic evidence is available in patients with psoriatic arthritis, the
available nonclinical and clinical data (in patients with RA) do not indicate that any unexpected,
deleterious effects or MRI evidence of inhibition of structural damage on cartilage, bone, or joints occur
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following treatment with apremilast. Consideration should be given to inclusion of radiographic endpoints
in future studies with apremilast in PsA. The data after stopping therapy (i.e. a randomised withdrawal
phase) have not been evaluated in this program. The CHMP considered that this would have been useful
in terms of evaluating the effect of withdrawal of treatment on persistence of effect or the possibility
treatment holidays.
The current study design supports second or third line treatment in patients who have previously failed
treatment or have had an inadequate response with small molecule and biological DMARDS. Initially the
applicant proposed an indication for use also in patients who have a contraindication to a DMARD therapy.
The CHMP considered that contraindication to DMARD therapy was not included as a specific inclusion
criterion and patients were not stratified a priori according to this criterion. To support the proposed
indication in the ‘contraindication’ subgroup the applicant has identified a subgroup of subjects with a
‘contraindication’ to a DMARD therapy who have been included in the pivotal apremilast studies PSA-003
and PSA-004. The applicant also refered to the experience gained in DMARD-naïve (“first line”) patients
treated with apremilast in the supportive Phase 3 study PSA-005 and argued that as MTX confers little
clinical benefit in patients with active PsA (Kingsley, 2012 ) they did not employ MTX as an active
comparator in this study. The recommendations of international scientific societies, such as the Group for
Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) (Ritchlin2009) or the European
League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) (Gossec2012) propose MTX as a potential first-line DMARD therapy
in the management of psoriatic arthritis but acknowledge the limited evidence base for this
recommendation. This strengthens the need for head to head comparator studies with established
treatments such as MTX and newer agents using standardised criteria outlined in regulatory guidance.
The CHMP therefore considered that data with an established active comparator for first line treatment of
psoriatic arthritis patients who are not controlled by NSAIDs is needed. The clinical relevance of this
poorly defined ‘contraindication ‘subgroup is questionable and the CHMP concluded that the inclusion in
section 4.1 of an indication for use in patients with a contraindication to DMARD therapy was not
supported. This was agreed by the MAH and the product information has been udapted accordingly.
The apremilast indication therefore reads as follows:
“Otezla, alone or in combination with Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), is indicated for
the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adult patients who have had an inadequate response or
who have been intolerant to a prior DMARD therapy”.
The numbers across dose groups receiving physical therapy was considered small (<1%) by CHMP and
may reflect the lack of access to appropriate multidisciplinary care. However the CHMP agreed that there
was no impact on the overall clinical outcomes of the PsA pivotal studies.
Plaque psoriasis
The pivotal Phase 3 studies of apremilast for monotherapy use in psoriasis (Studies PSOR-008 and
PSOR-009) utilised a similar study design. Both studies consisted of 4 treatment phases: a 16-week,
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase; a 16-week double-blind maintenance phase; a
20-week randomized, double-blind treatment withdrawal phase; and a 208-week, open-label long-term
safety extension phase. Overall study duration was 5 years.
The applicant enrolled a range of patients treatment naive (to all systemic or phototherapy) and patients
whom were treatment experienced and had failed a number of treatments. The demographic
characteristics of subjects, disease history, prior use of psoriasis related therapies and disease activity at
baseline were similar across studies and were generally well balanced across treatment groups.
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In Study PSOR-008 at Week 32 (Randomized Treatment Withdrawal Phase), subjects originally
randomized to APR 30 BID at baseline who had achieved a 75% reduction in the PASI score [PASI-75]
were re-randomized to either APR 30 BID or placebo to evaluate time to loss of PASI-75 response.
Subjects who were re-randomized to placebo and lost their PASI-75 response restarted APR 30 BID
without retitration. In contrast, Study PSOR-009 utilized a different definition of responder and loss of
effect in the Randomized Treatment Withdrawal Phase. In this study at Week 32 (Randomized Treatment
Withdrawal Phase), subjects originally randomized to APR 30 BID at baseline who had achieved a PASI-50
response were re-randomized to either APR 30 BID or placebo to evaluate time to loss of 50% of the PASI
improvement at Week 32 compared to baseline. Subjects who were re-randomized to placebo and lost
50% of their PASI response at Week 32 restarted APR 30 BID without retitration.
In the scientific advice provided to the applicant, the CHMP stated that PASI 75 alone was not sufficient as
a single endpoint and advised to also power for IGA 0-1. Also the CHMP recommended conducting a three
arm study with an active comparator with a preference to use methotrexate as an active comparator. The
applicant is currently conducting a comparator trial with etanercept (Study CC-10004-PSOR-010 is phase
3b study, double-blind, double-dummy, 3-arm study comparing apremilast and etanercept versus
placebo in subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis). The applicant will provide the full study
report when finalised (as described in the RMP). At the present time, a justification that the efficacy and
safety data support a broad indication in patients in need of systemic therapy was considered inadequate,
in particular since an active comparator study with a conventional systemic therapy has not been
presented for assessment. It is therefore difficult at the present time to put the efficacy and safety of this
product into context with other systemic therapies. Notwithstanding this, the benefit/risk remains
positive for marketing authorisation. The applicant also agreed to amend the indication to a second line
population: “adult patients who failed to respond to or who have a contraindication to, or are intolerant to
other systemic therapy including cyclosporine, methotrexate or psoralen and ultraviolet-A light (PUVA)”.
This was agreed by the CHMP.
Efficacy data and additional analyses
Psoriatic arthritis
The key primary endpoint (ACR 20 response rate) was met to a statistical level across the three pivotal
studies (FAS). This is supported by a range of sensitivity analyses. In the pooled analysis, 32% in the APR
20 BID treatment group and from 37% in the APR 30 BID treatment group achieved the mACR primary
endpoint at week 16. In the pooled analysis a treatment effect compared with placebo in favour of
apremilast 30 BID (mACR primary endpoint 13.2% and 18.3% at week 16 and 13% and 15.8% at week
24 (p<0.0001)) was demonstrated for APR20 BID and APR30 BID groups respectively. The duration of
effect after the primary endpoint of 16 weeks was evaluated in a placebo controlled manner at week 24.
From the available data at week 24 (FAS NRI) and from week 24-50 (APR analyses using OC and NRI) a
treatment effect in favour of apremilast is apparent from 16 to 24 weeks and is maintained up to 52
weeks. At Week 52 across the three pivotal studies in patients initially randomised to APR (NRI), the
modified ACR 20 response rates observed in the APR 20 BID and APR 30 BID treatment groups were
generally comparable (Pooled analysis APR20 BID 40.8%; APR30BD 42.1%). This data suggests that
efficacy is maintained through week 52.
In terms of a dose effect, the modified ACR 20 response rates observed in the pooled data for APR 20 BID
and APR 30 BID treatment showed a treatment effect in favour of APR30 BID at week 16. During the
24-52 week treatment period efficacy levels are generally maintained. The applicant proposed a standard
starting dose of 10 mg titrated up to 30 mg over one week. Although the Phase III data does not clearly
distinguish between the 20 mg BID and 30 mg BID dose, overall the weight of evidence from the primary
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and secondary endpoints is in favour of the 30 mg BID dose as the proposed treatment dose. This was
agreed by the CHMP.
Current CHMP guidelines recommend that axial involvement should be assessed as an important
secondary endpoint. BASDAI was evaluated as an exploratory analysis. The study population enrolled in
the apremilast PsA Phase 3 program included subjects with the following clinical subtypes of PsA:
symmetric polyarthritis (62.0%), asymmetric oligoarthritis (26.9%), distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint
predominant (6.2%), arthritis mutilans (2.7%) and spondylitis predominant (2.1%). Axial involvement, a
common secondary feature of peripheral predominant PsA disease, was present in 37% (548/1493) of
subjects enrolled in the Phase 3 program. A further review of efficacy data in the subpopulation of PSA
patients who have axial involvement secondary to peripheral join involvement was provided by the
applicant. The prevalence of axial involvement reported in the literature varies due to the lack of an
accepted definition of spinal involvement in axial arthritis PsA. According to several reports, spinal
involvement in patients with PsA ranges from 25% to 70% of cases. The relative proportion of axial
involvement in the apremilast phase 3 study population falls within this range (37% (548/1493) of
subjects enrolled in the Phase 3 program). The efficacy of apremilast 30 mg twice daily has been
demonstrated in the sub-population of subjects with axial disease Baseline BASDAI Score ≥4 (pooled
data at week 16 and 24 mean difference with placebo -0.57 p=0.0173 and -0.85 p=0.007 respectively),
thereby supporting some level of efficacy in this subgroup with axial involvement as a secondary feature
of peripheral predominant PsA disease. In the predominant spondylitis subgroup 3/12 (25%) of APR30mg
BID vs 2/7 (28.6%) placebo had a treatment effect in favour of placebo. The numbers of subjects with
predominant spondylitis make it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions from these data. The CHMP
considered that it is unnecessary to restrict the indication by specifically excluding patients with axial
disease as this could result in patients who could benefit from treatment being denied treatment.
Clinically relevant information from subgroup or post-hoc analyses in patients with predominately
spondylitic disease and in patients with axial involvement as a secondary feature of peripheral
predominant PsA disease, reflecting the limited robustness of these observations is included in the
product information as requested by the CHMP.
Mean change in HAQ-DI from baseline in the APR 30 BID treatment group in all three studies at Weeks 16
was -0.2. The treatment effect in terms of difference with placebo was -0.14 in APR30mg BID pooled
analysis. This mean change from baseline for APR30 BID achieved statistical significance with placebo at
week 16 and 24. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in HAQ-DI reflecting a meaningful
improvement in physical function has not been clearly described for patients with PsA. However minimum
clinically important difference (MCID) values were identified in the published literature available at the
time of the protocol development and study conduct (change from baseline of -0.3[Mease, 2004a] and
-0.35 [Mease 2011b] and a further estimate, change from baseline of -0.13 [Kwok, 2010]). When group
median (and mean) changes well exceed the MCID, it can be expected that a majority of patients will
attain clinically meaningful improvement. The mean improvements from baseline (pooled analysis)
exceeded a MCID ≥ 0.13 however did not exceed a MCID of >0.3.At week 16, a range of 33.5% to 38%
in the APR30mg BID group across all three studies had achieved ≥0.3-unit improvement in the HAQ-DI.
The treatment effect in terms of difference with placebo ranged from 5.1% to 5.9% in the APR 20mg BID
group and 6.9% to 13.2% in APR30mg BID across the three studies (nom.sig in studies PSA-002 and
PSA003 for 30mg BID group).
The CHMP concluded that apremilast has been shown to improve physical function. The MCID for HAQ-DI
in psoriatic arthritis has not been clearly established. The statement: “Otezla has been shown to improve
physical function” has therefore been removed from the indication by the applicant.
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Plaque psoriasis
The primary endpoint of both studies was the proportion of subjects treated with either APR 30 BID or
placebo who achieved a PASI-75 response at Week 16 compared to baseline. In both studies, a
statistically significantly greater proportion of subjects in the APR 30 BID treatment group achieved the
primary endpoint, compared with placebo (p <0.0001 for both studies), as evaluated using the primary
analysis method (i.e. missing values at Week 16 imputed using LOCF). The results for the primary
endpoint (PASI 75) and key secondary endpoint (sPGA) were supported by the sensitivity analyses
conducted to assess the impact of missing data. All these sensitivity analyses demonstrated similar
results and statistically significant differences between the APR 30 BID treatment group compared with
placebo treatment group (p <0.0001 for all sensitivity analyses).
The major secondary endpoint was the proportion of subjects treated with either APR 30 BID or placebo
with an sPGA score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) with at least a 2-point reduction from baseline at Week
16 (Feldman, 2005). The applicant also examined additional endpoints such as Scalp Physician Global
Assessment (ScPGA), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Patient Health Questionnaire depression
scale (PHQ-8), Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI), Palmoplantar Psoriasis Physician Global Assessment
(PPPGA) and Short Form 36-item Health Survey ect.
In both studies, a statistically significantly greater proportion of subjects in the APR 30 BID treatment
group achieved sPGA score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear), with at least a 2-point reduction from baseline
at Week 16 compared with placebo (p < 0.0001). The response rates in the placebo and APR 30 BID
treatment groups were 3.9% and 21.7%, respectively, in Study PSOR-008, and were 4.4% and 20.4%,
respectively, in Study PSOR-009.
The composite endpoint was defined as the number of subjects who achieved both a PASI-75 and sPGA
scores of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) with at least a 2-point reduction from baseline at Week 16. In both
pivotal studies, a nominally significantly greater proportion of subjects in the APR 30 BID treatment group
achieved the composite endpoint at Week 16 compared with placebo (nominal p <0.0001). Similar
findings were observed in the PP population. PSOR 008 and PSOR 009 showed a 16.7 % and 14.2%
greater response rate response in favour of APR 30 MG BID at 16 weeks.
The mean DLQI Total Scores at baseline were approximately 12.5 in both pivotal studies, indicating a
significant impact of psoriasis on the subjects’ quality of life. In both studies, subjects treated with APR 30
BID achieved statistically significant improvement (reduction) in the DLQI Total Score at Week 16
compared with placebo (p <0.0001).
The mean changes from baseline were -2.1 and -6.6 for subjects treated with placebo or APR 30 BID,
respectively, in Study PSOR-008 and were -2.8 and -6.7, respectively, in Study PSOR-009. The mean
improvement at Week 16 for the APR 30 BID treatment group of 6.6 in Study PSOR-008, and 6.7 in Study
PSOR-009, exceeded the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) of at least a 5-point decrease
from baseline (Finlay, 1994; NICE, 2012).
Overall, 558 of the 844 subjects (66%) enrolled in Study PSOR-008 and 266 of the 411 subjects (64.7%)
enrolled in Study PSOR-009 had nail psoriasis at baseline. The percent mean change from baseline at
Week 16 for placebo-treated subjects was 6.5% and -7.1% in Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009,
respectively, and for apremilast-treated subjects was -22.5% and -29.0% in Studies PSOR-008 and
PSOR-009, respectively. Although a positive response to treatment is seen, it is not known why the
placebo groups appear to opposite to each other in the two studies.
The proportion of subjects with an ScPGA score of 0 or 1 (clear or minimal) were 17.5% and 46.5% for
placebo and APR 30 BID treatment groups, respectively, in Study PSOR-008 and were 17.2% and 40.9%,
respectively in Study PSOR-009, both results were statistically significant better in favour of treatment.
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For both studies, the PASI-75 response rates for subjects originally randomised to APR 30 BID were
generally maintained through Week 32. Subjects originally randomized to placebo demonstrated a
response to apremilast treatment, similar to that seen for subjects originally randomized to APR 30 BID
at baseline. By Week 24, the PASI response rates for subjects who were originally randomized to placebo
following 8 weeks of APR 30 BID treatment were generally comparable to those for subjects receiving 24
weeks of APR 30 BID.
The sPGA response rates for subjects originally randomized to APR 30 BID peaked around Week 16 in
both studies and were generally maintained through Week 32. Subjects originally randomized to placebo
demonstrated rapid sPGA response following initiation of apremilast treatment, similar to that seen for
subjects originally randomized to APR 30 BID at baseline. By Week 24, the response rates for subjects
originally randomized to placebo following 8 weeks of APR 30 BID treatment were similar to those for
subjects who received 24 weeks of APR 30 BID.
At Week 32, after placebo subjects had been treated with APR 30 BID for 16 weeks, reductions in BSA
involvement were similar between the treatment groups, and greater than the changes at Week 16. The
mean percent changes (improvement) from baseline in BSA involvement for the placebo/APR 30 BID and
APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID treatment groups were -59.25% and -61.18%, respectively, in Study PSOR-008
and -58.73% and -60.67%, respectively, in Study PSOR-009.
At Weeks 24 and 32 in both studies, subjects originally randomized to placebo achieved similar changes
in DLQI Total Scores from baseline as did those subjects originally randomized to APR 30 BID and were
greater than the changes observed at Week 16. Patients continuing treatment on APR 30 mg BID had
similar change form baseline responses at 24 and 32 weeks and similarity in DLQI changes were seen
between both studies. However in the proportion of patients with at least a 5 point change in DLQI is
slightly lower for patients continuing on treatment at 24 weeks versus 32 weeks.
The longer duration of treatment with APR 30mg BID was associated with better NASPSI score, however
the difference seen in NAPSI score change for patients initially on placebo and then switched to APR 30mg
bid is different between the two studies (PSOR 008 at week 32 mean -24.6 compared with -47.6 in OO9
study- although it is recognised there is large variability). Approximately half of patients enrolled also had
scalp psoriasis, of the subjects with ScPGA score ≥3 (moderate or greater) at baseline, the proportion of
subjects who achieved an improvement of ScPGA score of 0 or 1 (clear or minimal) was numerically
greater for the placebo/APR 30 BID group than for the APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID group at Weeks 24 and 32.
Again in patients maintaining therapy throughout there appears to be a lower effect at 32 weeks
compared with 24 weeks treatment, and about 10 % higher in patients who were initially treated with
placebo.
Palmoplantar Psoriasis Analyses During the Maintenance Phase (Weeks 16 to 32) in Studies PSOR-008
and PSOR-009 (FAS With Baseline PPPGA ≥3) the patient numbers are too low to draw any meaningful
conclusions on palmoplantar psoriasis, however improvement is seen with treatment versus placebo and
it appears to be maintained over time.
Subjects who were re-randomized were those subjects originally randomized to APR 30 BID and achieved
a PASI-75 response (Study PSOR-008) or at least a PASI-50 response (Study PSOR-009) at Week 32,
were re-randomized to either APR 30 BID or placebo in order to evaluate time to first loss of effect.
Of the re-randomized subjects in PSOR 008 the APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/placebo and APR 30 BID/APR 30
BID/APR 30 BID treatment group, 63/77 subjects (81.8%) and 40/77 subjects (51.9%), respectively, lost
PASI-75 response at some time point during the Randomized Treatment Withdrawal Phase. The median
time to first loss of PASI-75 was 5.1 weeks and 17.7 weeks from the Week 32 re-randomization,
respectively (nominal p <0.0001).
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In contrast to PSOR-008, the time to first loss of effect in Study PSOR-009 was defined as loss of 50% of
the improvement in PASI score obtained at Week 32 compared to baseline after re randomization in the
Randomized Treatment Withdrawal Phase.
For the APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/placebo and APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID treatment groups,
respectively, 35/62 subjects (56.5%) and 7/61 subjects (11.5%) lost 50% of their Week 32 PASI
improvement at some time point during the Randomized Treatment Withdrawal Phase.
The median time to a loss of 50% of the improvement in PASI score obtained at Week 32 compared to
baseline was 12.4 and 21.9 weeks following the Week 32 re-randomization for the APR 30 BID/APR 30
BID/placebo and APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID/APR 30 BID treatment groups, respectively (nominal p
<0.0001).
While patients randomised to continued treatment have a longer duration of response and a higher
percentage of patients maintaining either PASI 75 or PASI 50, a considerable number of patients lose
PASI 75 with continued treatment (PSOR 008 – 51.9%) although the patient numbers are low and 57.5%
have PASI scores of 70-74, it is unclear why this occurs. However longer term efficacy data is awaited
from the ongoing studies 008 and 009 (as described in the RMP).
Of the subjects re-randomized to APR 30 BID, 75.3% of the subjects in Study PSOR-008 and 41.0% of
subjects in Study PSOR-009 had an sPGA score of 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear) at Week 32. At Week 52,
51.9% of the subjects in Study PSOR-008 and 36.1% of subjects in Study PSOR-009 had an sPGA score
of 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear). Both studies also showed that patients continuing on treatment had a
longer time to loss of s PGA approximately 20 weeks compared with placebo 4-5 weeks. Similar to the
PASI loss with continued treatment approximately 40% of patient on continued treatment fail to maintain
s PGA of 0-1 32 weeks to 52 weeks.
Subjects re-randomized to APR 30 BID experienced clinically meaningful improvements (mean and
median decreases) in DLQI Total Score from baseline of at least -7.5 at Week 52 in both studies. In Study
PSOR-008, 77% of subjects re-randomized to APR 30 BID at Week 32 had clinically meaningful
improvement in DLQI (≥ 5-point decrease in DLQI; and composite endpoint of ≥ 5-point decrease in DLQI
and PASI-50 response) at Week 52. In Study PSOR-009, 70.0% had a ≥5-point decrease in DLQI Total
Score from baseline, and 62.0% achieved the composite endpoint of ≥5-point decrease in DLQI Total
Score from baseline and a PASI-50 response at Week 52. Patients whom were randomised to placebo at
32 weeks and were re-treated with APR 30 mg BID generally had the same scores as patients continuing
on treatment until 52 weeks, however similar to the PASI and sPGA scores it appears that patients on
active treatment have better results at 32 weeks compared with 52 weeks. Longer term efficacy data is
awaited from the ongoing studies 008 and 009 (as described in the RMP).
All nail parameters indicate sustained improvement in subjects treated with APR 30 BID from baseline
through Week 52. In both studies, subjects re-randomized to APR 30 BID at Week 32 had a mean change
in NAPSI score from baseline of approximately -60% at Week 52. The mean number of involved nails in
this treatment group decreased by 3.3 and 2.7 in Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009, respectively, i.e.,
these nails were cleared of psoriasis. Approximately 63% of subjects rerandomized to APR 30 BID at
Week 32 in both studies achieved NAPSI-50 at Week 52.
In Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009, among subjects with moderate or more severe scalp psoriasis at
baseline who rerandomized to APR 30 BID at Week 32, over 72% and 54%, respectively, achieved ScPGA
scores of 0 or 1 (clear or minimal) at Week 52 and 77.1% and 62.2%, respectively, achieved ScPGA
scores of 0, 1, or 2 (clear, minimal, or mild) at Week 52. Patients on APR 30 mg BID whether continuous
or retreated have better ScPGA scores than patients on placebo at 52 weeks, patients on continuous
treatment have better results compared with patients who are retreated following randomisation to
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placebo. Although patient numbers are low the ScPGA scores of 0-1 are higher at week 32 compared with
week 52 for patients continuing on treatment.
In Studies PSOR-008 and PSOR-009, among subjects with a moderate or severe palmoplantar psoriasis
at baseline who rerandomized to APR 30 BID, 87.5% and 100%, respectively, achieved PPPGA scores of
0 or 1 (clear or almost clear) at Week 52 and 87.5% and 100%, respectively, achieved PPPGA scores of
0, 1, or 2 (clear, almost clear, or mild) at Week 52. The studies showed efficacy in patients with
palmoplantar psoriasis with continued treatment to 52 weeks, however patient numbers are too low to
draw meaningful conclusions.
2.5.4. Conclusions on the clinical efficacy
Psoriatic Arthritis
A treatment effect in favour of apremilast (mACR primary endpoint 18.3% at week 16 and 15.8% at week
24 p<0.0001) was demonstrated for APR30mg BID across the three studies in patients who have
previously failed or have not responded to prior DMARD therapy in terms of treatment of symptoms and
clinical indices of articular disease activity both for those on DMARDs (small molecule and biological) and
for those not on DMARDs at baseline.
Improvement in the signs and symptoms of PsA, as measured by the modified ACR 20 response at week
16, continued up to Week 52 across all three pivotal Phase 3 studies.
Improvement in physical function was evaluated using HAQ-DI score, SF-36v2 physical functioning
domain score statistically and nominally significant improvements were seen across both these endpoints
across all three studies at week 16 and were maintained across week 24 and 52. Improvement in physical
function evaluated using HAQ-DI was supported by a change from baseline in the average HAQ-DI score
of -0.2 across all three studies for APR30mg BID The HAQ-DI score was also maintained between Week
24 and Week 52.
The results of the ACR20 analysis were supported by the results of the modified PsARC, DAS28[CRP],
EULAR good/moderate response) analyses. A positive treatment effect was also observed irrespective of
the number or type of prior small-molecule DMARD or biologic used.
A consistent, improvement in modified ACR 20 responses, compared to placebo, was observed
irrespective of whether apremilast was given alone (approximately 35% of subjects) or in combination
with concomitant small-molecule DMARDs (approximately 65% of subjects).
Improvements in extra articular manifestations of psoriatic disease (PASI-75, MASES, dactylitis severity
score), and health-related quality of life (SF-36v2 PCS score, FACIT-Fatigue score) at Weeks 16 and 24,
and these improvements were broadly maintained at Week 52 with continued apremilast treatment.
There was no formal comparison of efficacy between the APR 20 BID and APR 30 BID treatment groups
but in general higher and more consistent responses were observed for subjects receiving APR 30 BID
over APR 20 BID up to week 24 (the placebo –controlled period).
The CHMP concluded that the inclusion in section 4.1 of an indication for use in patients with a
contraindication to DMARD therapy was not supported. This was agreed by the MAH and the product
information has been udapted. The apremilast indication therefore reads as follows:
“Otezla, alone or in combination with Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), is indicated for
the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adult patients who have had an inadequate response or
who have been intolerant to a prior DMARD therapy”.
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The CHMP also concluded that apremilast has been shown to improve physical function. The MCID for
HAQ-DI in psoriatic arthritis has not been clearly established. The statement: “Otezla has been shown to
improve physical function” has therefore been removed from the indication by the applicant.
Plaque psoriasis
Efficacy has been demonstrated for patients with plaque psoriasis for induction at 16 weeks and short
maintenance for an additional 16 weeks. Pooled analysis shows a statistical significant difference in favour
of Apremilast 30mg bid for PASI 75 at 16 weeks ( 26.2 % improvement) and s PGA (17.2 %
improvement) versus placebo, and 15.9% of patients achieving both PASI 75 and sPGA 0-1 at 16 weeks,
with higher efficacy observed at later time points.
Continued treatment shows maintenance of effect of PASI and sPGA in weeks 16 to 32, and patients
continued on treatment having significantly longer time before loss of PASI 75, PASI 50 or s PGA is
observed at week 32 to 52.
Also patients who were treated with placebo in the randomised withdrawal phase showed significant
responses following retreatment with Apremilast 30mg BID.
As an active comparator study with a conventional systemic therapy such as methotrexate was not
conducted, it is difficult to rank this product with other first line systemic conventional therapies. An active
comparator study versus etanercept is being conducted in patients failing conventional systemic therapy.
The applicant will provide the full study report when finalised (as described in the RMP). At the present
time, a justification that the efficacy and safety data support a broad indication in patients in need of
systemic therapy was considered inadequate, in particular since an active comparator study with a
conventional systemic therapy has not been presented for assessment. It is therefore difficult at the
present time to put the efficacy and safety of this product into context with other systemic therapies.
Notwithstanding this, the benefit/risk remains positive for marketing authorisation. The applicant
therefore agreed to amend the indication to a second line population: “adult patients who failed to
respond to or who have a contraindication to, or are intolerant to other systemic therapy including
cyclosporine, methotrexate or psoralen and ultraviolet-A light (PUVA)”.
2.6. Clinical safety
Introduction
The overall safety evaluation plan assessed the safety data obtained from a total of 30 clinical studies of
apremilast, including 16 clinical pharmacology studies and 14 Phase 2/ 3 studies in various indications. Of
the 16 clinical pharmacology studies conducted with apremilast, 13 were in healthy subjects (N=422) and
3 were in non healthy subjects (N=39). The non healthy subjects comprised 15 subjects with PsA or RA,
8 subjects with severe renal impairment, and 16 subjects with hepatic impairment. The 14 Phase 2/ 3
studies included primary and supporting clinical studies as follows: 6 in psoriasis, 5 in PsA, 1 in RA, 1 in
Behçet’s disease, and 1 in asthma. In these studies, the following apremilast dosage regimens were
evaluated: 10 mg twice daily (APR 10 BID), 20 mg once daily (APR 20 QD), 20 mg BID (APR 20 BID), 40
mg QD (APR 40 QD), and 30 mg BID (APR 30 BID). The Phase 2/3 studies in PsA and psoriasis (except
PSOR-001, PSOR-004) had a placebo controlled treatment phase. Studies PSOR-005-E-LTE, PSOR-008,
PSOR-009, PSA-002, PSA-003, PSA-004, and PSA-005 also have open-label, active-treatment, long-term
extension phases. The planned duration of the placebo-controlled phases in these studies ranged from 12
to 24 weeks.
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Patient exposure
Apremilast Data Pool
A summary of total exposure to apremilast in the Apremilast Data Pool, which includes subjects initially
randomized to apremilast as well as placebo subjects who switched to apremilast, is presented in Table
59. A total of 4089 subjects received at least one dose of apremilast. In the Apremilast Data Pool, 3049
(74.6%) subjects received apremilast (APR Total groups) for at least 24 weeks, including 1024 (70.6%)
subjects who received APR 20 BID and 1930 (81.9%) subjects who received APR 30 BID. A total of 1631
(39.9%) subjects had been exposed to apremilast (APR Total group) for at least 52 weeks in completed
and ongoing studies, including 510 (35.2%) subjects in the APR 20 BID group and 1107 (47.0%) subjects
in the APR 30 BID group, as of the cut-off dates for the submission, i.e., 01 Mar 2013 for ongoing PsA
studies (Studies PSA-002, PSA-003, PSA-004, PSA-005) and 11 Jan 2013 for ongoing psoriasis studies
(PSOR-008, PSOR-009, and PSOR-005-E-LTE).
Table 59: Apremilast Data Pool: Extent of Apremilast Exposure (Apremilast Subjects as
Treated)
Demographics
The demographic characteristics of subjects at baseline in the Apremilast Data Pool were generally well
balanced across treatment groups (Table 60). The majority of subjects were white (93.5%) and not
Hispanic (88.0%), and 54.3% were male. Subjects ranged in age from 18 to 85 years; the overall median
age was 49.0 years. Subjects’ median weight was 85.00 kg and subjects’ median BMI was 29.30 kg/m2.
Approximately half of the subjects were enrolled in North America (50.9%), 35.9% were enrolled in
Europe, and 13.2% were enrolled in the Rest of the World.
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Table 60: Apremilast Data Pool: Baseline Demographics (Subjects as Initially Treated at
Week 0)
Subject Disposition
PsA Phase 3 Data Pool
In total, 2019 subjects were randomized and received at least one dose of IP; 671 subjects received
placebo and 1348 subjects received apremilast (APR Total group) (Table 61). Of these, 89.0% of subjects
receiving placebo and 83.8% of subjects receiving apremilast completed the placebo-controlled phase.
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The most frequently cited reasons for study discontinuation were AEs, withdrawal by the subject, and lack
of efficacy.
Table 61: PsA Phase 3 Data Pool: Subject Disposition During the Placebo-controlled Phase
(Subjects as Initially Treated at Week 0)
PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool
For the PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool, 418 subjects received placebo and 832 subjects received APR 30 BID
during the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16 (Table 62). Of these, 84.2% of subjects in the
placebo group and 86.9% of subjects in the APR 30 BID group completed the Treatment Duration Period
Weeks 0 to 16. The most frequently cited reasons for study discontinuation were AEs, withdrawal by the
subject, lost to follow-up, and lack of efficacy.
Table 62: PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool: Disposition of Subjects During the Treatment Duration
Period Weeks 0 to 16 (Subjects as Initially Treated at Week 0)
- Apremilast Data Pool
A total of 4089 apremilast subjects were included in the Apremilast-exposure Period in the Apremilast
Data Pool. As of the cutoff date, 46.1% of apremilast-treated subjects remain in the studies, 42.2% have
discontinued, and 7.4% have completed their study. The most frequently cited reasons for study
discontinuation were lack of efficacy, withdrawal by the subject, and AEs. Overall, 8.0% of apremilast
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subjects have discontinued study drug due to AE (APR Total group), including 7.4% and 8.5% of subjects
in the APR 20 BID and APR 30 BID treatment groups, respectively.
Table 63: PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool: Disposition of Subjects During the Treatment Duration
Period Weeks 0 to 16 (Subjects as Initially Treated at Week 0)
Medical History
PsA Phase 3 Data Pool
The reported medical history of subjects in the PsA Phase 3 Data Pool was consistent with the disease
population and known comorbidities and was generally well balanced across treatment groups. Overall,
91.4% of subjects reported at least one medical history condition. A substantial percentage of the subject
population had a history of cardiovascular conditions. Individual cardiovascular risk factors included
hypertension (38.2%), hypercholesterolemia (13.7%), obesity (11.0%), hyperlipidemia (8.4%) and type
2 diabetes mellitus (6.6%). Another known comorbidity of psoriatic arthritis is depression, which was
reported by 13.6% of subjects. Other common medical history conditions included menopause (12.8%),
osteoarthritis (12.5%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (11.6%), postmenopause (10.5%), drug
hypersensitivity (10.3%), and hysterectomy (10.1%). All other medical history conditions were reported
in <10% of subjects in the PsA Phase 3 Data Pool.
PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool
Overall, 89.8% of subjects reported at least one medical history condition. A substantial percentage of the
subjects had a history of cardiovascular conditions. Individual cardiovascular risk factors included
hypertension (31.3%), obesity (15.3%), hyperlipidemia (12.6%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (10.1%), and
hypercholesterolemia (9.8%).Another known comorbidity of PSOR is depression, which was reported by
13.6% of all subjects. Other common medical history conditions included seasonal allergy (12.9%), drug
hypersensitivity (11.0%), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (10.6%). All other medical history
conditions were reported in <10% of subjects in the PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool.
Apremilast Data Pool
Overall, 89.9% of subjects reported at least one medical history condition. A substantial percentage of the
subject population had a history of cardiovascular conditions. Individual cardiovascular risk factors
included hypertension (34.0%), hypercholesterolemia (11.3%), obesity (10.7%), hyperlipidemia (9.2%),
and type 2 diabetes mellitus (7.3%). Another known comorbidity of psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis is
depression, which was reported by 13.4% of subjects. Other common medical history conditions included
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gastroesophageal reflux disease (11.0%), osteoarthritis (10.8%) and drug hypersensitivity (10.1%). All
other medical history conditions were reported in <10% of subjects in the Apremilast Data Pool.
Concomitant Medications
PsA Phase 3 Data Pool
The majority of subjects in the PsA Phase 3 Data Pool took concomitant medications during the
Placebo-controlled Period (96.0%, placebo group; 97.1%, APR Total group).
With the exception of PSA-005, where apremilast was evaluated as monotherapy, subjects were allowed
to continue use of stable baseline doses of small-molecule DMARDs, oral corticosteroids, and/or
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) concomitantly per protocol. The percentage of subjects
receiving concomitant therapy was generally consistent across treatment groups.
The most frequently reported concomitant medications were anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic
products (67.1%, placebo group; 69.6%, APR Total group), antipsoriatics (44.7%, placebo group; 43.5%,
APR Total group), all other therapeutic products (39.3%, placebo group; 39.5%, APR Total group), drugs
for acid related disorders (27.6%, placebo group; 32.3%, APR Total group), analgesics (25.9%, placebo
group; 30.9%, APR Total group), and lipid modifying agents (21.9%, placebo group; 20.5%, APR Total
group). All other classes of concomitant medications were used by <20% of subjects in the placebo or
APR total groups. Similar patterns of concomitant medication use were observed for Apremilast Subjects
as Treated during the Apremilast-exposure Period in the PsA Phase 3 Data Pool.
PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool
The majority of subjects in the PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool took concomitant medications during the
Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16 (82.1%, placebo group; 84.5%, APR 30 BID group). The most
frequently reported concomitant medications were analgesics (Placebo, 25.8%; APR 30 BID, 29.3%) and
anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic products (Placebo, 23.4%; APR 30 BID, 29.8%). Similar patterns of
concomitant medication use were observed for Apremilast Subjects as Treated during the
Apremilast-exposure Period in the PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool.
Apremilast Data Pool
The majority of subjects in the Apremilast Data Pool, for Subjects as Initially Treated at Week 0, took
concomitant medications (88.7%, placebo group; 90.4%, APR Total group).
The percentage of subjects receiving concomitant therapy was generally consistent across treatment
groups. The most frequently reported concomitant medications were anti-inflammatory and
antirheumatic products (50.8%, placebo group; 53.1%, APR Total group), analgesics (27.1%, placebo
group; 31.0%, APR Total group), drugs for acid related disorders (22.5, placebo group; 25.1%, APR Total
group), agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system (25.7%, placebo group; 24.5%, APR Total group),
all other therapeutic products (24.9%, placebo group; 24.3%, APR Total group), antipsoriatics (23.6%,
placebo group; 21.7%, APR Total group), and lipid modifying agents (20.1%, placebo group; 19.6%, APR
Total group). All other classes of concomitant medications were used by < 20% of subjects in either the
placebo or APR total groups.
Similar patterns of concomitant medication use were observed in Apremilast Subjects as Treated during
the Apremilast Data Pool for the Apremilast-exposure Period.
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Adverse events
PsA Phase 3 Data Pool
- Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16
An overview of TEAEs during the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16 in the PsA Phase 3 Data Pool
is presented in Table 64. The subject incidence of at least one TEAE or TEAEs leading to drug withdrawal
was higher in subjects treated with apremilast than subjects receiving placebo, with a trend suggesting a
dose effect. The percentage of subjects with severe or serious TEAEs was low and there was no clinically
meaningful difference between subjects treated with placebo or apremilast or between subjects treated
with APR 20 BID or APR 30 BID.
Table 64: PsA Phase 3 Data Pool: Overview of TEAEs During the Treatment Duration Period
Weeks 0 to 16
- Apremilast-exposure Period
During the Apremilast-exposure Period for the Apremilast Subjects as Treated population, the EAIR per
100 subject-years for TEAEs was 166.0 in the APR Total group; 158.6 in the APR 20 BID group and 174.0
in the APR 30 BID group. During the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16 for the Subjects as Treated
population, EAIRs per 100 subject-years for TEAEs was 280.5 in the APR Total group; 254.6 in the APR 20
BID group and 309.1 in the APR 30 BID group. The EAIR per 100 subject-years did not increase during the
Apremilast exposure Period; therefore, there was no evidence of an increased incidence of TEAEs with
longer apremilast exposure. Similarly, there was no evidence of an increased incidence of severe TEAEs,
serious TEAEs, or TEAEs leading to drug withdrawal, based on EAIR per 100 subject years.
PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool
Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16
An overview of TEAEs during the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16 in the PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool
is presented in Table 65. The subject incidence of at least one TEAE or TEAEs leading to drug withdrawal
was higher in subjects treated with APR 30 BID compared with placebo. The percentage of subjects with
severe or serious TEAEs was low and there was no clinically meaningful difference between subjects
treated with placebo or APR 30 BID. The findings were similar for both the Subjects as Initially Treated at
Week 0 and Subjects as Treated populations.
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Table 65: PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool: Overview of TEAEs During the Treatment Duration Period
Weeks 0 to 16
- Apremilast-exposure Period
During the Apremilast-exposure Period for the Apremilast Subjects as Treated population, the EAIR per
100 subject-years for TEAEs was 287.4 in the APR 30 BID group. During the Treatment Duration Period
Weeks 0 to 16 for the Subjects as Treated population, EAIRs per 100 subject years for TEAEs was 483.8
in the APR 30 BID group.Based on EAIR per 100 subject-years, there was no evidence of an increased
incidence of TEAEs with longer apremilast exposure. Similarly, there was no evidence of an increased
incidence of severe TEAEs, serious TEAEs, or TEAEs leading to drug withdrawal, based on EAIR per 100
subject-years.
Apremilast Data Pool
Placebo-controlled Period
An overview of TEAEs during the Placebo-controlled Period for the Apremilast Data Pool is presented in
Table 66. At least one TEAE was reported by 53.6% of subjects in the placebo group and 65.2% of
subjects in the APR Total group. The subject incidence of at least one TEAE or TEAEs leading to drug
withdrawal was higher in the APR Total group than the placebo group, with no clinically meaningful
difference between subjects treated with APR 20 BID or APR 30 BID. The percentage of subjects with
severe or serious TEAEs was low and there was no clinically meaningful difference between subjects
treated with placebo or apremilast or between subjects treated with APR 20 BID or APR 30 BID.
Table 66: Apremilast Data Pool: Overview of Treatment-emergent Adverse Events During the
Placebo-controlled Period (Subjects as Initially Treated at Week 0)
- Apremilast-exposure Period
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An overview of TEAEs during the Apremilast-exposure Period for the Apremilast Data Pool is presented in
Table 67. With the additional subject exposure to apremilast, there was no evidence of an increased
incidence of TEAEs, severe TEAEs, serious TEAEs, or TEAEs leading to drug withdrawal, based on EAIR per
100 subject-years.
Table 67: Apremilast Data Pool: Overview of Treatment-emergent Adverse Events During the
Apremilast-exposure Period (Apremilast Subjects as Treated)
Common Adverse Events
The most frequently reported TEAEs during the Placebo-controlled Period were gastrointestinal disorders
(diarrhoea, nausea), infections and infestations (URTIs, nasopharyngitis) and nervous system disorders
(headache, tension headache).
A treatment and dose effect was observed for gastrointestinal disorders and nervous system disorders,
but not for infections and infestations.
The pattern of TEAEs was similar in the PsA and PSOR Phase 3 studies. The EAIRs per 100 subject-years
for each of the 6 frequently reported TEAEs in apremilast-treated subjects did not increase during the
Apremilast-exposure Period; therefore, there is no evidence that the incidence of these events increases
with longer apremilast exposure.
PsA Phase 3 Data Pool
Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16
In the PsA Phase 3 Data Pool, the SOCs with the highest subject incidence of TEAEs during the Treatment
Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16, were gastrointestinal disorders, infections and infestations and nervous
system disorders. The proportions of subjects reporting TEAEs in the SOCs of gastrointestinal disorders
and nervous system disorders were higher in the apremilast groups than the placebo group, with a trend
suggesting a dose effect.
There was no notable difference between the placebo and apremilast groups in the percentage of subjects
reporting TEAEs in the SOC of infections and infestations and there was no evidence of a dose effect.
Investigations and cardiac disorders were also reported in a higher percentage of subjects in the
apremilast groups than the placebo group.
A summary of TEAEs with subject incidence of at least 2% in any treatment group during the Treatment
Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16 in the PsA Phase 3 Data Pool is presented in Table 68. The most frequently
reported TEAEs were diarrhoea, nausea, headache, and upper respiratory tract infection, which is
consistent with the most frequently, reported SOCs listed above. These TEAEs were reported at a higher
frequency in the APR Total group than the placebo group. The subject incidence of diarrhoea, nausea, and
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headache was higher in the APR 30 BID group than in the APR 20 BID group, suggesting a dose effect. A
dose effect was not observed for upper respiratory tract infection.
Table 68: PsA Phase 3 Data Pool: TEAEs with Subject Incidence of at Least 2% in any
Treatment Group During the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16
- Apremilast-exposure Period
The most frequently reported TEAEs in the PsA Phase 3 Data Pool during the Apremilast-exposure Period
were the same as those reported during the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16, ie, diarrhea,
nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, and headache. During the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0
to 16 the EAIRs per 100 subject-years for the frequently reported TEAEs in the APR treatment groups
were higher than those during the Apremilast-exposure Period. Based on EAIR per 100 subject-years,
there is no evidence of an increased incidence of frequently reported TEAEs with longer exposure to
apremilast.
PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool
Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16
In the PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool, the system organ classes (SOCs) with the highest subject incidence of
TEAEs during the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16 were gastrointestinal disorders, infections and
infestations, and nervous system disorders. The proportions of subjects reporting a TEAE in the SOCs of
gastrointestinal disorders and nervous system disorders were higher in the APR 30 BID group than in the
placebo group. The percentage of subjects reporting infections and infestations was similar in the APR 30
BID and the placebo groups.
A summary of TEAEs with subject incidence of at least 2% in any treatment group during the Treatment
Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16 in the PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool is presented in Table 69. The most
frequently reported TEAEs were diarrhoea, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis,
tension headache, and headache, which is consistent with the most frequently reported SOCs listed above.
The subject incidence of diarrhoea, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, tension headache, and
headache was higher in the APR 30 BID group than in the placebo group.
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Table 69: PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool: TEAEs with Subject Incidence of at Least 2% in any
Treatment Group During the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16
- Apremilast-exposure Period
The most frequently reported TEAEs in the PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool during the Apremilast-exposure
Period were the same as those reported during the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16, i.e.,
diarrhoea, upper respiratory tract infection, nausea, nasopharyngitis, tension headache, and headache.
During the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16 the EAIRs per 100 subject-years for the frequently
reported TEAEs in the APR 30 BID group were higher than those during the Apremilast-exposure Period.
Based on EAIR per 100 subject-years, there is no evidence of an increased incidence of the frequently
reported TEAEs with longer exposure to apremilast.
- Apremilast Data Pool
Placebo-controlled Period
The most frequently reported TEAEs were diarrhoea, nausea, headache, upper respiratory tract infection,
and nasopharyngitis. Of these, diarrhoea, nausea, headache, and upper respiratory tract infections
occurred more frequently in the APR Total group than the placebo group, and a dose effect was observed
for diarrhoea, nausea, and upper respiratory tract infection. Other frequently reported GI TEAEs also
showed treatment effects (e.g., vomiting, upper abdominal pain, dyspepsia, and abdominal pain).
Tension headache also occurred more frequently in the APR Total group than the placebo group.
- Apremilast-exposure Period
The most frequently reported TEAEs in the Apremilast Data Pool during the Apremilast-exposure Period
were the same as those reported during the Placebo-controlled Period. Based on EAIR per 100
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subject-years, there is no evidence of an increased incidence of these most frequently reported TEAEs
with longer exposure to apremilast.
Serious adverse event/deaths/other significant events
Treatment-emergent Adverse Events by Severity
PsA Phase 3 Data Pool
In the PsA Phase 3 Data Pool, during the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16, TEAEs were
predominantly mild or moderate in severity. The percentage of subjects reporting severe TEAEs was
3.4% in the Placebo group, 3.0% in the APR 20 BID group, and 3.6% in the APR 30 BID group.
Diarrhoea, nausea, headache, and upper respiratory tract infection, the most frequently reported TEAEs
in the PsA Phase 3 Data Pool, were predominantly mild in severity. Severe diarrhoea occurred in 0.1%,
0.4%, and 0.3% of subjects in the Placebo, APR 20 BID, and APR 30 BID groups, respectively. Severe
nausea occurred in 0%, 0.2%, and 0.3% of subjects in the Placebo, APR 20 BID, and APR 30 BID groups,
respectively. Severe headache occurred in 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.1% of subjects in the Placebo, APR 20 BID,
and APR 30 BID groups, respectively. No severe upper respiratory tract infection was reported during
Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16.
- Apremilast-exposure Period
In the PsA Phase 3 Data Pool, the percentage of subjects reporting severe TEAEs was 6.2% in the APR 20
BID group and 7.2% in the APR 30 BID group. During the Apremilast-exposure Period for the Apremilast
Subjects as Treated population, the EAIR per 100 subject-years for severe TEAEs was 6.6 in the APR 20
BID group and 7.7 in the APR 30 BID group. During the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16 for the
Subjects as Treated population, EAIR per 100 subject years for severe TEAEs was 10.5 in the APR 20 BID
group and 12.8 in the APR 30 BID group. Based on EAIR per 100 subject-years, there was no evidence of
an increased incidence of severe TEAEs in the PsA Phase 3 Data Pool with longer apremilast exposure.
PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool
- Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16
In the PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool, during the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16, TEAEs were
predominantly mild or moderate in severity. The percentage of subjects reporting severe TEAEs was
3.6% in the placebo group and 3.4% in the APR 30 BID group.
Diarrhoea, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, tension headache, and headache,
the most frequently reported TEAEs during the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16 in the PSOR
Phase 3 Data Pool, were predominantly mild in severity Severe diarrhoea and nausea were each reported
by 1 (0.2%) subject in the placebo group and 3 (0.3%) subjects in the APR 30 BID group. Severe
headache (4 [0.3%] subjects), severe tension headache (1 [0.1%] subject), and severe upper
respiratory tract infection (1 [0.1%] subject) were reported in the APR 30 BID group only. No events of
severe nasopharyngitis were reported in either treatment group.
- Apremilast-exposure Period
In the PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool, during the Apremilast-exposure Period, TEAEs were predominantly mild
or moderate in severity. The percentage of subjects in the APR 30 BID group reporting severe TEAEs was
8.2%.
During the Apremilast-exposure Period for the Apremilast Subjects as Treated population, the EAIR per
100 subject-years for severe TEAEs was 8.9 in the APR 30 BID group. During the Treatment Duration
Period Weeks 0 to 16 for the Apremilast Subjects as Treated population, EAIR per 100 subject-years for
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severe TEAEs was 12.0 in the APR 30 BID group. Based on EAIR per 100 subject-years, there was no
evidence of an increased incidence of severe TEAEs in the PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool with longer apremilast
exposure.
The majority of severe TEAEs were reported by 1 (0.1%) subject each.
Diarrhoea, upper respiratory tract infection, nausea, nasopharyngitis, tension headache, and headache,
the most frequently reported TEAEs during the Apremilast-exposure Period, were predominantly mild in
severity. Severe diarrhoea and severe nausea were each reported by 0.3% of subjects and severe tension
headache and severe upper respiratory tract infection were each reported by 0.2% of subjects. The only
other severe events that were reported by more than 0.2% of subjects were psoriasis (0.5%), headache
(0.4%), migraine (0.4%), vomiting (0.3%), and fall (0.3%).
- Apremilast Data Pool
In the Apremilast Data Pool, during the Apremilast-exposure Period, TEAEs were predominantly mild or
moderate in severity. The percentage of subjects reporting severe TEAEs was 6.8% in the APR 20 BID
group and 8.1% in the APR 30 BID group.
During the Apremilast-exposure Period for the Apremilast Subjects as Treated population, the EAIR per
100 subject-years for severe TEAEs was 8.6 in the APR 20 BID group and 8.9 in the APR 30 BID group.
During the Placebo-controlled Period for the Subjects as Initially Treated at Week 0 population, EAIR per
100 subject-years for severe TEAEs was 9.7 in the APR 20 BID group and 13.7 in the APR 30 BID group.
Based on EAIR per 100 subject-years, there was no evidence of an increased incidence of severe TEAEs
in the Apremilast Data Pool with longer apremilast exposure.
Deaths
As of 31 July 2013, 8 subjects have died during the apremilast clinical program (3 in placebo, 1 in APR 20
BID, and 4 in APR 30 BID). Of these, 7 deaths occurred in applicant’s sponsored studies, including 1 death
in a PsA study and 6 deaths in psoriasis studies. In addition, 1 death occurred in an investigator-initiated
study in RA. There is no pattern associated with cause of death in the apremilast clinical program.
PsA Studies
•
In Study PSA-002, a 52-year-old subject who was randomized to the APR 20 BID treatment
group, died due to multi-organ failure on Day 73 of the study. The subject had been diagnosed
with anaemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency prior to the first dose of apremilast and was also
receiving concomitant MTX for the treatment of PsA.
Psoriasis Studies
Placebo
•
In Study PSOR-009, a 51-year-old subject, died on Study Day 354 due to intracranial
hemorrhage, 130 days after the last dose of APR 30 BID while in the Randomized Treatment
Withdrawal Phase. The subject received apremilast for 224 days followed by placebo in the
Randomized Treatment Withdrawal Phase. The event occurred on Study Day 353. On Day 352,
the subject complained of a headache. The subject was found unresponsive on the floor the
following day. A computed tomography scan of the head revealed a large intracranial hematoma
in the left hemisphere centered in the basal ganglia region with intraventricular extension and a
small bilateral subarachnoid component; midline shift by 1.7 cm as well as evidence of left uncal
and tonsilar herniation; and hematoma that filled the third and fourth ventricles. A neurosurgeon
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reviewed the imaging and recommended palliative therapy. The subject was pronounced brain
dead on Study Day 354.
•
In Study PSOR-005-E-LTE, a 63-year-old subject receiving placebo, was found dead with a pink
complexion on Study Day 84 in the closed garage with a motorcycle running. An autopsy did not
establish cause of death for this subject.
•
In Study PSOR-008, a 28-year-old subject, committed suicide via a gunshot wound. The subject
was randomized to placebo and had received the last dose on Day 29. The SAE occurred on Study
Day 55. The subject’s relevant medical history included previous suicide attempts, depression,
obesity, unstable family life, alcohol abuse, insomnia, and treatment for bipolar disorder.
Apremilast
•
In Study PSOR-004, a 398-pound, 48-year-old subject with psoriasis who was randomized to the
APR 20 BID group, had a history of cardiac arrhythmia that was treated with a cardiac ablation
procedure. The subject had an unwitnessed death at histhe subject’s home 140 days after the
start of apremilast treatment and 53 days after the dose was increased from 20 mg BID to 30 mg
BID. The cause of death was reported as MI, heart arrhythmia, and hypertensive changes.
•
In Study PSOR-008, a 69-year old, white subject, experienced a fatal cerebrovascular accident
(CVA) on Study Day 777 while in the long-term extension phase of the study. The subject
received placebo in the placebocontrolled treatment phase, followed by APR 30 BID for a total of
666 days. On Study Day 777 (Day 666 on active treatment), while at home, the subject began
experiencing symptoms of stroke (not further specified). In the emergency room, the subject was
nonresponsive. The subject died in the emergency room due to acute CVA. No treatment was
given. The type of stroke (thrombotic or hemorrhagic) was reported as unknown. An autopsy was
not performed. A death certificate was not available.
•
In Study PSOR-008, a 30-year-old white subject, died on Study Day 111. The subject had
received APR 30 BID for a total of 104 days. The subject’s medical history included depression,
obesity (screening BMI = 35.1 kg/m2), and alcohol use. One week after the last dose of study
drug, the subject was found dead by the subject’s partner. No obvious cause of death was
identified. The autopsy report revealed diffuse lung congestion and bilateral edema, consistent
with acute cardiac failure in association with likely sleep apnea and morbid obesity. At the time of
death, the subject’s BMI was 40.6 kg/m2.
Investigator-initiated Studies
•
In Study AP-RA-PI-0024, an investigator-initiated study in RA, an 82-year-old subject, died due
to acute myeloid leukaemia. The subject received APR 30 BID from 31 Mar 2010 to 28 Jun 2010
(89 days), followed by APR 30 BID or placebo from 28 Jun 2010 to 20 Aug 2010 (53 days). The
subject was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia 8 months after the last dose of study
medication. The subject had a history of breast cancer and uncontrolled RA for 4 years prior to
study entry. Before starting treatment with apremilast, the subject received multiple
medications, including adalimumab, MTX, and possibly another TNF blocker (dates not provided).
The subject died 20 months after the last dose of apremilast.
Other Serious Adverse Events
Overall, the subject incidence of serious TEAEs (SAEs) was low and comparable between placebo and
apremilast treatment groups. The incidence of SAEs was not driven by any single preferred term or
specific, individual organ toxicity. Based on EAIR per 100 subject-years, there was no evidence of an
increased incidence of SAEs with longer apremilast exposure (Table 70).
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Table 70: Apremilast Data Pool: Subject Incidence of Serious TEAEs Reported in 2 or More
Subjects in Any Treatment Group During the Apremilast-exposure Period (Subjects as
Treated)
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Adjudicated Evaluation of MACE and Potential MACE
Major adverse cardiac events were defined as TEAEs of sudden unwitnessed death, cardiovascular death
(sudden cardiac death, death due to MI, death due to heart failure, death due to stroke, and death due to
other cardiovascular causes), MI, and nonfatal stroke. Potential MACE was defined as unstable angina
requiring hospitalization, coronary revascularization procedure, transient ischemic attack (TIA) and
rehospitalisation for recurrent ischemia, embolic events, and deep vein thrombosis.
- Apremilast Data Pool
Events from 8 (0.6%) subjects in the placebo group, 26 (1.8%) subjects in the APR 20 BID group, and 32
(1.4%) subjects in the APR 30 BID group were identified for adjudication of MACE or potential MACE;
events from 2 placebo subjects, 3 APR 20 BID subjects, and 4 APR 30 BID subjects were not evaluable.
Events were adjudicated as MACE in 0.1% of subjects (1/1411; 0.2 per 100 subject-years) in the placebo
group, 0.3% of subjects (5/1450, 0.4 per 100 subject-years) in the APR 20 BID group, and 0.3% of
subjects (7/2357; 0.3 per 100 subject-years) in the APR 30 BID group. Events were adjudicated as
potential MACE in 0.1% of subjects (2/1411; 0.5 per 100 subject years) in the placebo group, 0.5% of
subjects (7/1450; 0.6 per 100 subject-years) in the APR 20BID group, and 0.6% of subjects (13/2357;
0.6 per 100 subject-years) in the APR 30 BID group Based on EAIR per 100 subject-years in the
Apremilast Data Pool, comparable results were observed between apremilast and placebo in adjudicated
events of MACE and potential MACE. No dose effect was observed.
Most cases of MACE were classified as myocardial infarction. Most cases of potential MACE were classified
as unstable angina requiring hospitalization and/or coronary revascularization procedure. The reported
incidence of MACE was comparable with the background epidemiologic data.
Nearly all subjects adjudicated with MACE or potential MACE had two or more major risk factors (e.g.,
elderly age, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus) and additional
confounding comorbidities (e.g., coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis) that confound an
assessment of causality.
Overall, the incidence of MACE or potential MACE in apremilast clinical studies was lower than the
background rates for similar populations:
•
The rate of adjudicated MACE in apremilast-exposed subjects was in the lower range of the MACE
rate in the meta-analysis of psoriasis patients conducted by Ryan et al and was lower than the
average from all the IL-12/23 studies analyzed (Ryan, 2011).
•
The rate of adjudicated MACE in the apremilast-exposed subjects was lower than that in psoriatic
arthritis patients in the CPRD or the MarketScan databases.
Other Cardiac Disorders
Cardiac Failure
In the Apremilast Data Pool, during the Placebo-controlled Period, SMQ cardiac failure TEAEs were
reported for 1 (0.1%) subject in the placebo group, 2 (0.2%) subjects in the APR 20 BID group, and 3
(0.2%) subjects in the APR 30 BID group. Two additional subjects (APR 20 BID, 1 subject; APR 30 BID,
1 subject) reported SMQ cardiac failure TEAEs during the Apremilast-exposure Period.
SMQ cardiac failure TEAEs were reported as serious in 4 subjects, 3 subjects with PT cardiac failure
congestive (Placebo, 1 [0.1%] subject; APR 20 BID, 2 [0.1%] subjects) and 1 subject with PT cardiac
failure (APR 30 BID [< 0.1%]).
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Based on EAIR per 100 subject-years there was no evidence of an increased incidence of SMQ cardiac
failure TEAEs with longer exposure to apremilast in the Apremilast Data Pool (0.2 and 0.5 per 100
subject-years for the Apremilast-exposure Period and the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16,
respectively, in the APR Total group).
Tachyarrhythmia
- Apremilast Data Pool
In the Apremilast Data Pool, during the Placebo-controlled Period, events of SMQ tachyarrhythmia TEAEs
were reported for 0.2% of subjects in the placebo group, 0.6% of subjects in the APR 20 BID group, and
0.6% of subjects in the APR 30 BID group. The most frequently reported tachyarrhythmia event was atrial
fibrillation. Based on EAIR per 100 subject-years, there was no evidence of an increased incidence of SMQ
tachyarrhythmia TEAEs with longer exposure to apremilast in the Apremilast Data Pool (1.1 and 1.6 per
100 subject-years for the Apremilast-exposure Period and the Placebo-controlled Period, respectively, in
the APR Total group). The majority of the subjects with SMQ tachyarrhythmia TEAEs had an underlying
medical history of cardiac disorder or baseline ECG abnormalities. Three subjects discontinued treatment
due to these events and 1 subject required dose reduction (Table 71).
Table 71: Apremilast Data Pool: SMQ Analysis of Tachyarrhythmia During the
Apremilast-exposure Period (Apremilast Subjects as Treated)
Adjudicated Evaluation of Malignancies
Treatment-emergent malignancies were adjudicated and classified as hematologic, skin (excluding
melanoma), or solid (including melanoma) malignancies.
- Apremilast Data Pool
Events from 7 (0.5%) subjects in the placebo group, 16 (1.1%) subjects in the APR 20 BID group, and 29
(1.2%) subjects in the APR 30 BID group were identified for adjudication of malignancies; all events
except those from 2 APR 20 BID subjects and 1 APR 30 BID subject were evaluable 3 subjects with events
that were adjudicated as not evaluable for malignancy events either did not have a biopsy performed or
based on the clinical presentation a malignancy cannot be confirmed (data on file).
One event was adjudicated as hematologic malignancy in 1/1450 (0.1%) subjects in the APR 20 BID
group.
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Events were adjudicated as malignancy of the skin (excluding melanoma) in 0.3% of subjects (4/1411;
0.9 per 100 subject-years) in the placebo group, 0.3% of subjects (5/1450; 0.4 per 100 subject-years) in
the APR 20 BID group, and 0.8% of subjects (18/2357; 0.8 per 100 subject-years) in the APR 30 BID
group. Events were adjudicated as solid malignancies (including melanoma) 0.1% of subjects (2/1411;
0.5 per 100 subject-years) in the placebo group, 0.3% of subjects (5/1450; 0.4 per 100 subject years) in
the APR 20 BID group, and 0.3% of subjects (8/2357; 0.4 per 100 subject-years) in the APR 30 BID
group.
Many of the subjects who had events adjudicated as malignancies had a history of risk factors such as a
family history, history of previous skin cancer, or exposure to agents known to be associated with
increased risk of cancer. In addition, most of these events were diagnosed in the first 6 months of starting
treatment with study medication. Based on these findings, it is unlikely that there is causal relationship
between apremilast treatment and the events adjudicated as malignancies.
All except 3 subjects (with non-melanoma skin cancer) adjudicated with malignancy events had one or
more predisposing risk factors that confound an assessment of causality.
Adjudicated Evaluation of Serious Infections
The adjudicator classified the events into 4 categories: non-opportunistic non-serious infection,
non-opportunistic serious infection, non systemic opportunistic infection, and systemic opportunistic
infection.
- Apremilast Data Pool
All 38 events sent for adjudication were evaluable. One event (urinary tract infection) was adjudicated as
non-opportunistic non-serious infection in 1/1450 (0.1%) subject in the PsA Phase 3 Data Pool; this event
was reported as an SAE by the investigator and therefore sent for adjudication.
Events were adjudicated as non-opportunistic serious infections in 0.3% of subjects (4/1411; 0.9 per 100
subject-years) in the placebo group, 0.5% of subjects (7/1450; 0.6 per 100 subject years) in the APR 20
BID group, and 0.8% of subjects (20/2357; 0.9 per 100 subject-years) in the APR 30 BID group. Events
were adjudicated as non-systemic opportunistic infections in 0% of subjects (0/1411) subjects in the
placebo group, 0.1% of subjects (1/1450; 0.1 per 100 subject-years) in the APR 20 BID group, and 0.1%
of subjects (2/2357; 0.1 per 100 subject-years) in the APR 30 BID group. Events were adjudicated as
systemic opportunistic infections in 0.1% of subjects (1/1411; 0.2 per 100 subject-years) in the placebo
group, 0.1% of subjects (1/1450; 0.1 per 100 subject-years) in the APR 20 BID group, and < 0.1% of
subjects (1/2357; 0.0 per 100 subject-years) subjects in the APR 30 BID group.
In the Apremilast Data Pool, the EAIR per 100 subject-years was comparable for apremilast and placebo
treated subjects for adjudicated events of opportunistic (systemic and non-systemic) infections. The rate
of non-opportunistic serious infections was low (EAIR per 100 subject-years of 0.9 in both the placebo and
APR 30 BID groups, and 0.6 per 100 subject-years in the APR 20 BID group) with no specific organism or
organ involvement.
The reported incidence of systemic opportunistic infections is comparable with the background
epidemiologic data. Based on a review of current clinical safety data, there is no evidence of an increased
risk of serious infections (including opportunistic infections) associated with the use of apremilast. In
clinical trials, the EAIR per 100 subject-years of adjudicated serious infections (including opportunistic
infections) between placebo and apremilast were comparable, indicating no increased risk of serious
infections (including opportunistic infections) with apremilast compared with placebo. In addition, based
on a review of the published literature, apremilast did not increase the risk of serious infections (including
opportunistic infections) compared with background rates.
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Tuberculosis
In addition to the adjudicated serious infections discussed, any reported cases or subjects with medical
history related to TB were analyzed. In the PsA and PSOR Phase 3 studies, there was no requirement for
latent TB screening prior to enrollment; it was left to the investigator’s discretion whether or not to test
for latent TB. A chest radiograph and medical history were assessed as part of study screening. Subjects
with active TB or a history of incompletely treated TB were excluded from participation. There were no
cases of TB reactivation in the PsA Phase 3 Data Pool, PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool, or Apremilast Data Pool.
A positive skin test without confirmation of active TB was reported in 3 subjects with no reported medical
history of TB.
- PsA Phase 3 Data Pool
In the PsA Phase 3 Data Pool, there were 20 (1.0%) subjects (1.0% in the placebo group, 0.7% in the APR
20 BID group, and 1.2% in the APR 30 BID group) with a medical history of TB (including latent TB,
pulmonary TB, and disseminated TB). In addition, 12 (0.6%) subjects had a medical history of a positive
tuberculin test: 0.6% in the placebo group, 0.7% in the APR 20 BID group, and 0.4% in the APR 30 BID
group).
There were no cases of TB reactivation reported in the PsA Phase 3 Data Pool.
- PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool
In the PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool, there were 7 (0.6%) subjects (0.5% in the placebo group and 0.6% in the
APR 30 BID group) with a medical history of TB (including latent TB, pulmonary TB, and disseminated TB).
In addition, 2 (0.5%) subjects, both in the placebo group, had a medical history of a positive tuberculin
test.
There were no cases of TB reactivation reported in the PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool.
However, 2 subjects in Study PSOR-008 had a positive QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Test during the study.
These cases were sent for adjudication and 1 was adjudicated as latent TB. It is unknown whether the
subject had latent TB prior to study enrollment as no prior skin test was required. The subject
discontinued the study for other reasons. For the second case, the adjudicator’s diagnosis was “Fever of
unclear origin; unspecified bacterial infection”. The subject was discontinued from the study and treated
with TB therapy without confirmation of active TB.
Psychiatric Events
Suicidal Ideation and Behaviour
An analysis of treatment-emergent suicidal ideation and behaviour was conducted based on a search
using the narrow SMQ terms of suicide and self-injury. In the Apremilast Data Pool, there were 5 subjects
with SMQ suicide and self-injury TEAEs during the Placebo-controlled Period, 1 (0.1%) subject in the
placebo group, 2 (0.2%) subjects in the APR 20 BID group, and 2 (0.1%) subjects in the APR 30 BID
group. Two (0.1%) subjects reported suicidal ideation and 2 (0.1%) subjects reported suicide attempt in
the apremilast groups (APR Total), and 1 (0.1%) subject completed suicide in the placebo group.
Depression
An analysis of treatment-emergent depression was conducted based on a search using the narrow SMQ
terms. In the Apremilast Data Pool, during the Placebo-controlled Period, the incidence of reports of SMQ
depression TEAEs (excluding suicide and self-injury) was higher in the APR 20 BID (1.2%) and APR 30
BID (1.1%) groups than the Placebo (0.6%) group. However, based on EAIR per 100 subject-years there
is no evidence that depression is reported at an increased incidence with longer apremilast exposure (2.2
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and 3.4 per 100 subject-years for the Apremilast-exposure Period and the Placebo-controlled Period,
respectively, in the APR Total group).
Psychiatric Events PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool
In the PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool during the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16, the incidence of
reports of SMQ depression TEAEs (excluding suicide and self-injury) was higher in the APR 30 BID group
(1.2%) than the placebo group (0.5%) (Table 72 & Table 73). However, based on EAIR per 100
subject-years there is no evidence that depression is reported at an increased incidence with longer
apremilast exposure (2.2 and 4.2 per 100 subject-years for the Apremilastexposure Period and the
Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16, respectively, for Apremilast Subjects as Treated).
Table 72: PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool: SMQ Analysis of Depression During the Treatment
Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16 (Subjects as Treated)
Table 73: PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool: SMQ Analysis of Depression During the
Apremilast-exposure Period (Apremilast Subjects as Treated)
- Apremilast Data Pool
In the Apremilast Data Pool, during the Placebo-controlled Period, the incidence of reports of SMQ
depression TEAEs (excluding suicide and self-injury) was higher in the APR 20 BID (1.2%) and APR 30
BID (1.1%) groups than the Placebo (0.6%) group (Table 74). However, based on EAIR per 100
subject-years there is no evidence that depression is reported at an increased incidence with longer
apremilast exposure (2.2 and 3.4 per 100 subject-years for theApremilast-exposure Period and the
Placebo-controlled Period, respectively, in the APR Total group).
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Table 74: Apremilast Data Pool: SMQ Analysis of Depression During the Placebo controlled
Period (Subjects as Initially Treated at Week 0)
Vasculitis
An analysis of vasculitis was conducted based on a search using the narrow SMQ terms listed.
Three subjects in the Apremilast Data Pool had confirmed TEAEs of cutaneous vasculitis, 1 (0.1%) subject
in the placebo group (rheumatoid arthritis) and 2 (0.1%) subjects receiving APR30 BID (1 subject,
psoriatic arthritis; 1 subject, rheumatoid arthritis). In addition, there was 1 subject with a TEAE of
polymyalgia rheumatica in the APR 40 QD group in Phase 2 Study PSA-001 that was non-serious and was
not regarded as a case of vasculitis.
In non-clinical toxicology studies in mice, apremilast-related vascular and perivascular inflammation and
necrosis with resultant hemorrhage (skeletal muscle, abdominal wall, mesentery, mammary gland and
adjacent musculature) and hepatic infarction was observed. This finding was not observed in other
species. As a result of the findings in mice, a proinflammatory panel that included antinuclear antibody
(ANA) and serum antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) was routinely measured at baseline,
Weeks 4, 8, and 12 in Phase 2 Study PSOR-003. In this study, there were no differences between
treatment groups in the number of subjects with improvement or worsening of ANA titers at the end of the
treatment phase. None of the mean changes in the proinflammatory syndrome biomarker panel were
considered to be clinically relevant, and no subject exhibited any clinical signs or symptoms of a
proinflammatory syndrome. In addition, there were no notable findings in the immunology parameters.
Furthermore, there were no notable changes in clinical laboratory tests or peripheral blood markers of
inflammation (white blood cell [WBC] or neutrophil counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR],
albumin, fibrinogen, or C-reactive protein [CRP]) monitored in the Phase 2 clinical studies.
Hypersensitivity Adverse Events
An analysis of treatment-emergent hypersensitivity was conducted based on a search using the SCQ
terms listed. The discussion of hypersensitivity in this section focuses on the Apremilast Data Pool. In the
data set analyzed, one apremilast-treated subject experienced hypersensitivity with two positive
rechallenges leading to drug discontinuation. Another 17 apremilast-treated subjects who experienced
hypersensitivity continued apremilast treatment. None of the hypersensitivity reactions were severe and
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none led to drug withdrawal, except for the 1 case described above. In the proposed labelling, apremilast
is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the
excipients.
In the Apremilast Data Pool, during the Placebo-controlled Period, SCQ hypersensitivity TEAEs were
reported for 0.1% of subjects in the placebo group, 0.4% of subject in the APR 20 BID group, and 0.3%
of subjects in the APR 30 BID group. The EAIR per 100 subject-years was 0.5 and 1.0 per 100
subject-years for the Apremilast-exposure Period and the Placebo-controlled Period, respectively, in the
APR Total group.
Overall, SCQ hypersensitivity TEAEs were reported in 19 subjects: 17 subjects treated with apremilast, 1
subject who received placebo and 1 subject who had 2 hypersensitivity reactions (one while receiving
placebo and one while receiving apremilast). Of the 18 subjects who received apremilast and experienced
hypersensitivity, 16 had an alternative etiology, such as environmental or animal allergy, or
hypersensitivity to non-study medication.
One subject receiving APR 10 BID in a Phase 2 psoriasis study was reported as having an anaphylactic
reaction on Day 136 that dose change. One subject receiving APR 40 QD in a Phase 2 psoriatic arthritis
study
One subject had drug interrupted and ultimately discontinued due to repeated hypersensitivity reactions.
The subject had the first reaction (throat tightness, pruritus, and urticaria) on Study Day 27 that resolved
on Study Day 29. This subject was rechallenged twice with apremilast and had similar reactions (urticaria,
skin welts, pruritus, throat tightness and rash). The subject’s medical history included asthma, drug
intolerance to sulfa products, and hypersensitivity to penicillin. The subject discontinued apremilast and
recovered.
All other subjects continued their study medication after the hypersensitivity event, with no additional
events. None of the hypersensitivity events reported in the Apremilast Data Pool was reported as serious.
Weight Change
In an analysis of weight measurement, moderate observed weight loss (>5%) occurred in a higher
percentage of subjects who received apremilast than subjects who received placebo. In the Apremilast
Data Pool, mean weight change from baseline in the placebo group was +0.11 kg at Week 16. Mean
weight change from baseline at Week 16 was -0.88 kg in the APR 20 BID group and -1.24 kg in the APR
30 BID group, and mean weight change from baseline at Week 52 was -1.32 kg in the APR 20 BID group
and -1.86 kg in the APR 30 BIDgroup. In the PsA Phase 3 Data Pool, where there was a direct comparison
between APR 20 BID and APR 30 BID, the observed weight loss in subjects treated with APR 30 BID was
greater than that in subjects treated with APR 20 BID. For the majority of subjects, observed weight loss
(> 5%) occurred after the first 16 weeks of treatment, while the majority of nausea and diarrhoea events
tended to occur early and resolve within 4 weeks (Table 75).
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Table 75: Apremilast Data Pool: Summary of Weight Percent Change From Baseline at the End
of Period During the Apremilast-exposure Period (Apremilast Subjects as Treated)
Gastrointestinal Events
Analyses of treatment-emergent diarrhoea and GI pain and abdominal pain were conducted based on a
search using SCQ terms. Detailed analyses of the duration, onset, and severity of diarrhoea (PT) and
nausea (PT) during the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16 in the PsA Phase 3 and PSOR Phase 3
Data Pools are also presented in this section.
Gastrointestinal events, including diarrhoea, nausea, and abdominal pain werre reported as commonly
associated with the use of other PDE4 inhibitors. The data showed that these events are also associated
with apremilast treatment, with a dose-related effect observed both for subject incidence of TEAEs as well
as withdrawal of study drug due to TEAEs. Most TEAEs of diarrhoea and nausea, the most frequently
reported GI events, were mild or moderate in severity and infrequently (< 2% of subjects) led to
discontinuation of the study drug. Few TEAEs were reported as serious (1 APR subject for both diarrhoea
and nausea), with no apparent treatment- or dose-related effects. During the Treatment Duration Period
Weeks 0 to 16, most TEAEs of diarrhoea and nausea occurred within the first 2 weeks of treatment and
resolved within 4 weeks of onset.
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Figure 13 - PsA Phase 3 Data Pool: Treatment-emergent Diarrhoea Events by Duration of
Event Category During the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16 (Subjects as Treated)
Figure 14 - PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool: Treatment-emergent Diarrhoea Events by Duration of
Event Category During the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16 (Subjects as Treated)
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Figure 15 - Treatment-emergent Nausea Events by Duration of Event Category During the
Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16 (Subjects as Treated PsA datapool)
Figure 16 - PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool: Treatment-emergent Nausea Events by Duration of Event
Category During the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16 (Subjects as Treated)
Headache and Tension Headache
An analysis of treatment-emergent headache and tension headache was conducted based on a search
using SCQ terms listed. In order to appropriately assess the rate of headache in the apremilast program,
TEAEs of tension headache and headache were combined in the SCQ evaluation of headache. The data
showed that headache is associated with apremilast treatment, with a dose-related effect observed both
for subject incidence of TEAEs as well as withdrawal of study drug due to TEAEs. Most SCQ headache
TEAEs were mild or moderate in severity and few were reported as serious, with no apparent treatmentor dose-related effects. During the Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16, most SCQ headache TEAEs
occurred within the first 2 weeks of treatment and resolved within 4 weeks of onset.
Laboratory findings
Clinical Laboratory Parameters, Vital Signs, and Electrocardiograms
Routine laboratory monitoring included assessment of haematology and clinical chemistry parameters.
Markedly abnormal laboratory test results were infrequent and transient. There were no cases of LFT
elevations meeting Hy’s Law criteria. There was no imbalance in renal or other laboratory parameters.
There was no evidence of myelosuppression with apremilast treatment.
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Based on the results from the PsA Phase 3 Data Pool, mean vital signs assessments (systolic and diastolic
blood pressure and pulse rate) did not change throughout the Placebo-controlled Period and the
Apremilast-exposure Period.
Based on the results from the thorough QTc study (Study CC-10004-PK-008) and the PsA Phase 3 Data
Pool, the use of apremilast did not have any clinically meaningful impact on the QTc interval.
Electrocardiogram monitoring with the use of apremilast is not considered necessary.
Safety in special populations
Age
With regard to effects of treatment on age, the incidence of serious TEAEs and TEAEs leading to drug
withdrawal was higher in subjects ≥65 years of age compared with those <65 years of age in all
treatment groups. The difference between age groups was more pronounced in apremilast-treated
subjects than placebo subjects, with a trend suggesting a dose effect. The difference between age groups
was driven by GI TEAEs. There was no consistent effect of age on other frequently reported TEAEs.
Sex
A higher incidence of TEAEs, serious TEAEs, and TEAEs leading to drug withdrawal was observed among
female subjects compared with male subjects across all treatment groups. The results of a PK study in
healthy subjects demonstrated a modestly increased overall exposure in elderly subjects by about 14%
and in female subjects by about 30% compared with young and male subjects, respectively.
Race
The numbers of non-white subject in the data pools were too small for a meaningful analysis of TEAEs by
race. Similarly, the numbers of Hispanic or Latino subjects were too small for a meaningful analysis of
TEAEs by ethnicity. The results of a PK study (CC-10004-CP-018) in healthy male Japanese, Chinese, and
Caucasian (white) subjects demonstrated comparable apremilast exposure between Japanese and white
subjects and between Chinese and white subjects.
Subjects With Renal Impairment
In patients with severe renal impairment single-dose oral administration of 30 mg of apremilast resulted
in an increase in overall mean exposure (AUC0–∞) by 88.5% relative to demographically matched
healthy subjects. These changes in overall exposure did not correlate with the AEs observed in this
single-dose study. The effect of mild and moderate renal impairment on apremilast PK was not directly
assessed. However, population PK analyses in 54 subjects with RA or PsA, who had mild or moderate
renal impairment, did not find a correlation between creatinine clearance (CLcr) and apremilast clearance.
The apremilast exposure in RA or PsA subjects with mild or moderate renal impairment was similar to RA
or PsA subjects with normal renal function.
Subjects With Hepatic Impairment
In Study CC-10004-CP-011, PK parameters calculated for the moderately hepatic-impaired group
(following a 30-mg single dose of apremilast) and severely hepatic-impaired group (following a 20-mg
single dose of apremilast) and demographically matched healthy groups were comparable with each other.
A majority of the AEs observed were associated with patients with severe hepatic impairment and were
likely due to their underlying disease conditions.
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Use in Pregnancy and Lactation
Effects of apremilast on pregnancy included embryofetal loss in mice and monkeys, and reduced fetal
weights and delayed ossification in mice at doses higher than the currently recommended highest human
dose. Apremilast was detected in milk of lactating mice. A risk to the breastfed infant cannot be excluded,
therefore apremilast should not be used during breast-feeding.
Pregnant and lactating women were excluded from the study population and throughout the clinical
development program. Women of childbearing potential were required to use protocol approved, effective
means of contraception for the duration of their participation in apremilast trials and for at least 28 days
thereafter. Similarly, male study subjects who engaged in sexual activity from which conception was
possible were also required to use condoms for the duration of their participation in apremilast trials and
for at least 28 days thereafter.
As of 15 May 2013, there were 21 pregnancies (7 female subjects and 14 partners of male subjects)
reported during the apremilast clinical trials. Of the 7 female subjects, 2 were either on placebo or the
pregnancy occurred during pretreatment, and 5 occurred while receiving apremilast. Of the 14 male
subjects, 3 were either on placebo or the partner pregnancy was reported to have occurred during
pretreatment and 11 were on apremilast.
Female Subjects: Pregnancy Outcomes
There were no congenital anomalies reported for any subject who became pregnant while being exposed
to apremilast/blinded therapy. The elective terminations had no pathology reports. No spontaneous
abortions were reported in female subjects receiving active apremilast treatment.
The 2 live births reported to date with female subjects exposed to apremilast therapy were fullterm
healthy babies.
Partners of Male Subjects: Pregnancy Outcomes
There were no congenital anomalies reported for partners of male subjects who became pregnant or were
pregnant while their partners were exposed to apremilast/blinded therapy. There were 2 spontaneous
abortions in partners of male subjects who became pregnant or were pregnant while their partners were
exposed to apremilast therapy. Live births (9)reported to date in partners of male subjects exposed to
apremilast therapy were full-term healthy babies
Age
The incidence of ADRs was comparable for subjects < 65 and 65 to74 years of age. The numbers of
subjects 75 to 84 years of age and ≥ 85 years of age were too small to make meaningful conclusions.
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Safety related to drug-drug interactions and other interactions
Other Drug-drug Interactions
Drug-drug interaction studies were conducted with methotrexate, ketoconazole, rifampicinn, and oral
contraceptives (OC) to evaluate the potential effect on the PK of apremilast.
Co-administration of strong cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme inducer, rifampicin, resulted in a
reduction of systemic exposure of apremilast, which may result in a loss of efficacy of apremilast.
Therefore, the use of strong CYP3A4 enzyme inducers (e.g. rifampicin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine,
phenytoin and St. John’s Wort) with apremilast is not recommended.
Co-administration of apremilast with multiple doses of rifampicin resulted in a decrease in apremilast
area-under-the-concentration time curve (AUC) and maximum serum concentration (C max ) by
approximately 72% and 43%, respectively. Apremilast exposure is decreased when administered
concomitantly with strong inducers of CYP3A4 (e.g. rifampicin) and may result in reduced clinical
response.
There was no clinically meaningful drug-drug interaction between ketoconazole and apremilast.
Apremilast can be co-administered with a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor such as ketoconazole.
There was no pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction between apremilast and methotrexate in psoriatic
arthritis patients. Apremilast can be co-administered with methotrexate.
There was no pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction between apremilast and oral contraceptives
containing ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate. Apremilast can be co-administered with oral
contraceptives.
Discontinuation due to adverse events
Treatment-emergent Adverse Events Leading to Drug Withdrawal
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PsA Phase 3 Data Pool
- Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16
Overall, TEAEs leading to drug withdrawal were infrequent, i.e., 3.6% of subjects in the placebo group
and 4.9% of subjects as treated in the APR Total group, including 4.5% of subjects receiving APR 20 BID
and 5.2% of subjects receiving APR 30 BID. The most frequently reported TEAEs leading to drug
withdrawal were diarrhoea (placebo 0.4%,APR 20 BID 1.1%, APR 30 BID 1.7%), nausea (placebo 0.4%,
APR 20 BID 1.0%, APR 30 BID 1.5%), and headache (placebo 0.3%, APR 20 BID 0.4%, APR 30 BID 1.2%)
- Apremilast-exposure Period
Overall, TEAEs leading to drug withdrawal occurred in 7.2% of subjects who received apremilast (APR
Total group), 6.9% of subjects in the APR 20 BID group and 7.5% of subjects in the APR 30 BID group.
During the Apremilast-exposure Period for subjects as treated, the EAIRs per 100 subject-years for TEAEs
leading to drug withdrawal were 7.2 in the APR 20 BID group and 7.8 in the APR 30 BID group.
The 3 most frequently reported TEAEs leading to drug withdrawal in the PsA Phase 3 Data Pool during the
Apremilast-exposure Period were the same as those reported during the Treatment Duration Periods
Weeks 0 to 16, i.e., diarrhoea, nausea, and headache.
PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool
Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16
Overall, TEAEs leading to drug withdrawal were infrequent, i.e., 3.8% for subjects treated with placebo
and 4.8% for the Apremilast Subjects as Treated population with APR 30 BID. The most frequently
reported TEAEs leading to drug withdrawal were nausea (placebo 0.2%, Apremilast Subjects as Treated
with APR 30 BID 1.2%) and diarrhoea (placebo 0.2%, Apremilast Subjects as Treated with APR 30 BID
0.8%).
- Apremilast-exposure Period
Overall, TEAEs leading to drug withdrawal occurred in 8.4% of subjects who received APR 30 BID. During
the Apremilast-exposure Period for the Apremilast Subjects as Treated population, the EAIR per 100
subject-years for TEAEs leading to drug withdrawal was 8.8 in the APR 30 BID group. During the
Treatment Duration Period Weeks 0 to 16 for the Apremilast Subjects as Treated population, the EAIR per
100 subject-years for TEAEs leading to drug withdrawal was 17.0 in the APR 30 BID group. Based on EAIR
per 100 subject-years, there is no evidence of an increased incidence of TEAEs leading to drug withdrawal
with longer exposure to apremilast.
- Apremilast Data Pool
During the Placebo-controlled Period, TEAEs leading to drug withdrawal occurred in 4.5% of subjects in
the placebo group and 6.3% of subjects in the APR Total group, including 6.0% of subjects receiving APR
20 BID and 6.4% of subjects receiving APR 30 BID. The most frequently reported TEAEs leading to drug
withdrawal during the Placebo-controlled Period were nausea, diarrhoea, and headache. Overall, TEAEs
leading to drug withdrawal occurred in 8.1% of subjects in the APR Total group, including 7.7% of
subjects receiving APR 20 BID and 8.5% of subjects receiving APR 30 BID. Only nausea and diarrhoea
were reported as leading to drug discontinuation in ≥1% of Apremilast Subjects as Treated, with a trend
suggesting a dose effect
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2.6.1. Discussion on clinical safety
More than 4000 subjects were treated in the clinical development programme. This included subjects
treated with moderate to severe psoriasis and subjects with psoriatic arthritis. The applicant presents
pooled safety data from all subjects treated for the proposed indications in the phase 2/3 data pool.
Within this data pool the applicant presented safety data for each indication, i.e. data from subjects with:
Psoriatic arthritis (the PsA Phase 3 Data Pool); Moderate to severe psoriasis treated (the PSOR Phase 3
Data Pool); apremilast datapool in the phase 2/3 development programme comprises all Phase 2/3
clinical studies that evaluated the safety of apremilast in the treatment of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or
rheumatoid arthritis. The length of treatment ranged from 29 days (in 1 psoriasis study) to 52 weeks with
ongoing studies of up to 5 years exposure. The doses used in the phase 2/3 programme ranged from
20-30mg BID (in 1 study 40mg bd) reflecting the intended dose to be used in both indications. The size
of the safety database was considered adequate by the CHMP as was the length of exposure.
The applicant’s approach was considered complex by the CHMP but did provide the incidence of adverse
events for each indication taking part in the trial compared to placebo. Exposure Adjusted Incidence
Rates (EAIR) were used in an attempt to estimate the incidence of these adverse events over time as it is
likely that patients will be treated for longer than 16 weeks. The use of exposure adjusted incidence rates
assumes that the events occur early and that the occurrence of the adverse event is constant over time.
It is not considered suitable for adverse events with a latency period. As the applicant pointed out, the
incidence of the gastrointestinal events associated with apremilast may not be constant over time. In
addition, malignancies may have a latent period from exposure to presentation. The extension clinical
trials as well as the proposed disease registry and data from CPRD will further characterise malignancies
and long-term safety as described in the RMP.
The populations in the data pools were balanced across groups, with over 80% of subjects completing the
study. The severity of disease, medical history and concomitant medication were also balanced across
groups. The mean and median weight and BMI were high across all groups. This reflects the population
studied i.e. approximately half of subjects recruited in North America. However posology is not based on
weight but subjects are titrated from 10 to 30 mg daily based on tolerability. The CHMP noted a tendency
towards an increased incidence of TEAEs and SAEs in subjects with BMI<25mg/m2. There was no
evidence for any difference in the safety profile of apremilast across the subgroups of subjects with
baseline BMI <25 mg/m2, 25 to <30 mg/m2, and ≥30 mg/m2. The main reasons for withdrawal were
similar in the placebo and active groups. Weight loss of up to 2 kg was also observed in the Apremilast
treated group. Weight change has also been described with other PDE4 inhibitors.The applicant has
provided an analysis of weight loss in subjects with gastrointestinal symptoms. The majority of those
subjects with a weight loss greater than 5% did not experience gastrointestinal symptoms and weight loss
occured after 16 weeks treatment whereas gastrointestinal symptoms occurred early in treatment.
Gastrointestinal symptoms do not explain the weight loss observed. The CHMP considered that this
weight loss could be exacerbated or become clinically significant in subjects with a low BMI who
commence treatment or in subjects with persistent diarrhoea or intolerability.The applicant has therefore
included the following statement in the product information: “Patients who are underweight at the start of
treatment should have their body weight monitored regularly. In the event of unexplained and clinically
significant weight loss, these patients should be evaluated by a medical practitioner and discontinuation
of treatment should be considered”. Weight decrease in patients with BMI <20 kg/m2 is also listed in the
RMP. Subjects who were treated for 16 weeks had no further weight loss after cessation of treatment.
The majority of subjects were Caucasian however the applicant has completed pharmacokinetic studies in
Chinese and Japanese populations which revealed comparable exposures. The number of black subjects
was small but balanced across groups. In some groups PK studies indicated increased exposure e.g. the
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elderly and in female subjects. During the procedure the applicant has provided analysis showing that
although the number of elderly females is relatively small in comparison to the population analysed, and
the number of those under 60 kg is even more limited, elderly females should not require lower dosing,
even at lower body weights. This was agreed by the CHMP.
Depression is also a significant adverse reaction, which occurred more frequently in the PSOR group than
in the placebo group. During the placebo-controlled period of the phase III clinical trials PSOR, 1.2%
(14/1184) of patients treated with apremilast reported depression compared to 0.5% (2/418) treated
with placebo. None of these reports of depression was serious or led to study discontinuation. Depression
is included in the product information and in the RMP. This was agreed by the CHMP. The results of the
MedDRA SMQ analyses of suicide, suicide attempt, suicidal behaviour, or suicidal ideation could not
conclusively demonstrate whether apremilast is causally associated with these events. However the risk
of triggering suicide and nervousness are also listed in the RMP.
A total of 7 deaths occurred in the applicant’s apremilast clinical development program and 1 death
occurred in an investigator-initiated study (in Rheumatoid Arthritis). Of the 7 deaths that occurred in the
apremilast clinical studies, 6 deaths occurred in the psoriasis studies (3 subjects treated with APR 30 BID,
1 subject who was initially randomized to apremilast and rerandomized to placebo in the randomized
withdrawal period, and 2 subjects treated with placebo) and 1 death occurred in a PsA study (APR 20
BID). The subject who died in the investigator-initiated study was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia
8 months after the last dose of study medication. Overall, the number of deaths has been low in the
apremilast clinical program. There is no pattern associated with cause of death in apremilast clinical
studies.
The percentage of subjects with serious TEAEs in apremilast Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical studies was low
and comparable across treatment groups during the Placebo-controlled Period. The EAIR for SAEs in the
APR 20 BID or APR 30 BID groups did not increase during the apremilast-exposure Period; therefore,
there is no evidence that the incidence of SAEs increases with longer exposure of apremilast treatment.
The incidence of SAEs was not driven by any single preferred term or specific, individual organ toxicity.
Cardiac adverse events are a frequent ‘other’ serious adverse event. The applicant presented an
additional evaluation of cardiac events and concluded that based on EAIRs there is no increased risk of
cardiac disorder i.e. MACE, tachyarrhythmia or cardiac failure with apremilast exposure. Cardiac safety is
also included in the RMP and more information about the risk of MACE will be further evaluated through
the PsA and psoriasis disease registry in the EU but also through analysis of relevant data from the CPRD
at pre-specified intervals (as described in the RMP).
The percentage of subjects with TEAEs that led to drug withdrawal in apremilast Phase 2 and Phase 3
clinical studies during the Placebo-controlled Period was low. The EAIR for TEAEs that led to drug
withdrawal in the APR 20 BID and APR 30 BID groups did not increase during the apremilast-exposure
Period; therefore, there is no evidence that the incidence of TEAEs that led to drug withdrawal increases
with longer exposure of apremilast treatment. There were no TEAEs leading to discontinuation that
occurred in more than 2% of subjects.
Seven subjects in the placebo group versus 45 in the treatment group developed malignancy. Most of the
events occurred in the first 6 months. The percentage of total subjects exposed in the trial who developed
a malignancy is approximaltely 0.01% which is not greater that the expected background risk. The CHMP
concluded that there is no indication that apremilast increases the risk of malignancy from the numbers
studied and the length of the clinical trials. The applicant acknowledged that most estimates of
malignancy incidence from clinical trials of new therapeutic agents are limited since both the expected
numbers of events and the study durations are insufficient to provide a reliable estimate. Data from
ongoing long term studies will provide further data (as described in the RMP).
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Based on the data provided by the applicant there is no indication of an increased incidence of infections
on exposure to apremilast.
The trial population were not screened for latent TB by skin prick test but all subjects had a history taken
enquiring about previous infection or positive tests and had a chest x-ray. There was 1 probable case of
latent TB out of 4000 subjects. There are no proposals for warnings concerning either serious infections
or tuberculosis in the product information as screening for tuberculosis was not required prior to
enrolment, and that the clinical trial data have not demonstrated an increased risk of tuberculosis, or
serious infections more generally. This was agreed by the CHMP.
Three cases of vasculitis were reported from the apremilast datapool. Two subjects had rheumatoid
arthritis and one psoriatic arthropathy. Two subjects were on active treatment and one was on placebo.
There were no changes in the proinflammatory panel demonstrated in the phase 2 study PSOR-003. The
risk of vasculitis is reflected in the RMP.
The data available regarding exposure in pregnancy is very limited- 11 babies born thusfar. Studies in
animals have demonstrated an effect on fetal growth and development. The applicant has updated the
product information stating that apremilast is contraindicated in pregnancy. Further information on the
potential risks of aprelimast during pregnancy will be provided through the monitoring of planned or
unplanned pregnancies exposed to aprelimast in a pregnancy exposure registry in the US and Canada.
The final study report from this registry will be provided by the applicant (as described in the RMP). It is
not known whether apremilast, or its metabolites, are excreted in human milk. A risk to the breastfed
infant cannot be excluded. Therefore apremilast should not be used during breast-feeding. This was
agreed by the CHMP.
Subgroup analyses in the PsA Phase 3 Data Pool and the PSOR Phase 3 Data Pool by various
intrinsic/extrinsic factors (e.g., age, sex, race, ethnicity, region, medical history, prior biologic use, and
concomitant medications) did not identify any safety concerns.
Based on the results of laboratory parameters, vital signs, and ECG, routine monitoring with the use of
apremilast is not necessary. There is no evidence of myelosuppression with apremilast treatment.
However in subjects with risk factors or whose liver function tests are abnormal treatment with apremilast
may raise their LFTs. Apremilast does not prolong the QT interval at the doses of 30 mg and 50 mg BID
studied in a dedicated QTc study.
From the safety database all the adverse reactions reported in clinical trials have been included in the
Summary of Product Characteristics.
2.6.2. Conclusions on the clinical safety
The safety of apremilast has been well characterized. The most commonly reported adverse reactions in
Phase III clinical studies have been gastrointestinal (GI) disorders including diarrhoea (15.7%) and
nausea (13.9%). These GI adverse reactions were mostly mild to moderate in severity, with 0.3% of
diarrhoea and 0.3% of nausea reported as being severe. These adverse reactions generally occurred
within the first 2 weeks of treatment and usually resolved within 4 weeks. The other most commonly
reported adverse reactions included upper respiratory tract infections (8.4%), headache (7.9%), and
tension headache (7.2%). Overall, most adverse reactions were considered to be mild or moderate in
severity.
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The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation during the first 16 weeks of treatment
were diarrhoea (1.7%), and nausea (1.5%). The overall incidence of serious adverse reactions was low
and did not indicate any specific system organ involvement.
The data available regarding exposure in pregnancy is very limited- 11 babies born thusfar. Studies in
animals have demonstrated an effect on fetal growth and development. The applicant has updated the
product information stating that apremilast is contraindicated in pregnancy. It is not known whether
apremilast, or its metabolites, are excreted in human milk. A risk to the breastfed infant cannot be
excluded, therefore apremilast should not be used during breast-feeding.
2.7. Pharmacovigilance
Detailed description of the pharmacovigilance system
The CHMP considered that the Pharmacovigilance system as described by the applicant fulfils the
legislative requirements.
2.8. Risk Management Plan
The CHMP received the following PRAC Advice on the submitted Risk Management Plan:
The PRAC considered that the risk management plan version 6.0 could be acceptable if the applicant
implements the changes to the RMP as described in the PRAC Advice.
The applicant implemented the changes in the RMP as requested by PRAC. The CHMP endorsed this advice
without changes.
Safety concerns
The applicant identified the following safety concerns in the RMP:
Table 76: Summary of the Safety Concerns
Summary of safety concerns
Important identified risks
• Hypersensitivity
• Pharmacokinetic interaction with strong CYP3A4 inducers
• Weight decrease in patients with BMI < 20 kg/m2
•
Important potential risks
Depression
• Vasculitis
• Risk of triggering suicide
• Malignancies
• Nervousness and anxiety
• Serious infections
• MACE and tachyarrhythmia
•
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
Prenatal embryo-foetal loss and delayed foetal development
(reduced ossification and foetal weight) in pregnant women
exposed to apremilast
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Missing information
• Paediatric use
• Patients with moderate and severe renal impairment
• Long-term safety
• Limited data in long-term efficacy
• Patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment
• Use in patients of different racial origin
• Live vaccination
•
Potential pharmacokinetic interactions of apremilast metabolite
M12
Pharmacovigilance plan
Table 77: Ongoing and planned studies in the PhV development plan
Study/Activity Type, Title Objectives
and Category (1 to 3)
Safety Concern
Addressed
Status
(planned,
started)
Date for
Submission
of Interim or
Final
Reports
(planned or
actual)
Up to 5-year treatment
duration of Phase 3
studies(CC-10004-PSA-002,
-003, -004, -005 and
CC-10004-PSOR-008, -009)
to collect long-term data
To collect
long-term data
Malignancies
Ongoing
CSRs
anticipated
Q4 2017
Up to 2-year treatment
duration of Phase 3 study
(CC-10004-PSOR-010) to
collect long-term data
Category 3
To collect
long-term data
Malignancies
Ongoing
Interim CSR
anticipated
Q2 2015
Apremilast Pregnancy
Exposure Registry OTIS
Autoimmune Diseases in
Pregnancy
To monitor
planned or
unplanned
pregnancies
exposed to
apremilast.
Evaluate whether
Ongoing
there is any increase
in the risk of birth
defects (specifically,
a pattern of
anomalies) in
exposed pregnancies
Final CSR
anticipated
Jun 2022
To collect
long-term data
in real world
setting
Hypersensitivity
The final
protocol for
the PsoBest
registry will
be provided
by 30 Jun
2015 and the
registry will
start 01 Jul
2015.
Long-term safety
Category 3
Category 3
Disease Registry in the EU
for PsA and psoriasis
Category 3
Long-term safety
Limited data in
long-term efficacy
Depression
Vasculitis
Risk of triggering
suicide
Malignancies
Nervousness and
anxiety
Serious infections
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Final CSR
anticipated
Q3 2016
Planned
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MACE and
tachyarrhythmia
The final
protocol for
the BSRBR
registry will
be provided
by 31 Dec
2015 and the
registry will
commence in
Jan 2016.
Long-term safety
CPRD (UK) data analysis for
PsA and psoriasis
Category 3
To collect
long-term data
in real world
setting
Hypersensitivity
Planned
Depression
Vasculitis
Risk of triggering
suicide
Malignancies
Nervousness and
anxiety
Serious infections
MACE and
tachyarrhythmia
A protocol
will be
submitted
for review by
30 Jun 2015.
First analysis
will be
conducted
1 year from
the date of
first
commercial
availability in
the UK.
Long-term safety
In vitro studies
(CC-10004-DMPK-1965 and
CC-10004-DMPK-1966)
Category 3
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
To evaluate the
potential
pharmacokinetic
interactions of
apremilast
metabolite M12
Potential
pharmacokinetic
interactions of
apremilast
metabolite M12
Analysis of
the CPRD
data at
Years 1, 3
and 5,
starting from
the date of
first
commercial
availability in
the UK.
Ongoing
Final study
reports will
be submitted
Q1 2015
Page 182/189
Risk minimisation measures
Table 78: Summary table of Risk Minimisation Measures
Safety Concern
Proposed Routine Risk Minimisation Measures
Proposed
Additional
Risk
Minimisation
Measures
Important Identified Risks
Hypersensitivity
SmPC
None
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the
active substance or excipients (Section 4.3). Included as an
undesirable effect (Section 4.8).
PIL
Included in the patient information.
Pharmacokinetic
Interaction with
Strong CYP3A4
Inducers
SmPC
None
Includes information on interactions (Sections 4.5
and 5.2).
PIL
The patient information includes information on
interactions.
Weight Decrease in
Patients with BMI
< 20 kg/m2
SmPC
None
A precaution for underweight patients is included
(Section 4.4).
Weight decrease is listed as an adverse reaction associated
with apremilast (Section 4.8).
Depression
SmPC
None
Depression is discussed in Section 4.8.
Important Potential Risks
Vasculitis
Routine risk minimisation activities are not deemed
None
necessary as no specific risk of vasculitis has been detected
for apremilast. The safety concern can be addressed by
conducting active monitoring with routine
pharmacovigilance.
Risk of Triggering
Suicide
Routine risk minimisation activities are not deemed
necessary as no specific risk of triggering suicide has been
detected for apremilast. The safety concern can be
addressed by conducting active monitoring with routine
pharmacovigilance.
None
Malignancies
Routine risk minimisation activities are not deemed
necessary as no specific risk of malignancies has been
detected for apremilast. The safety concern can be
addressed by conducting active monitoring with routine
pharmacovigilance.
None
Nervousness and
Anxiety
Routine risk minimisation activities are not deemed
None
necessary as no specific risk of nervousness and anxiety has
been detected for apremilast. The safety concern can be
addressed by conducting active monitoring with routine
pharmacovigilance.
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None
Serious Infections
Routine risk minimisation activities are not deemed
necessary as no specific risk of serious infections has been
detected for apremilast. The safety concern can be
addressed by conducting active monitoring with routine
pharmacovigilance.
MACE and
Tachyarrhythmia
Routine risk minimisation activities are not deemed
None
necessary as no specific risk of MACE and tachyarrhythmia
has been detected for apremilast. The safety concern can be
addressed by conducting active monitoring with routine
pharmacovigilance.
Prenatal
Embryo-foetal Loss
and Delayed Foetal
Development
(Reduced
Ossification and
Foetal Weight) in
Pregnant Women
Exposed to
Apremilast
SmPC
None
Contraindicated in pregnancy (Section 4.3). Includes
information regarding use in pregnancy (Section 4.6) and
preclinical information on embryo-foetal development
(Section 5.3).
PIL
Includes information regarding use in pregnancy (including
do not take if pregnant).
Missing information
Paediatric Use
SmPC
None
Includes information on the use of apremilast in paediatric
patients (Section 4.2).
PIL
The patient information includes a warning that use in
children and young people under 17 years is not
recommended.
Patients with
Moderate and
Severe Renal
Impairment
SmPC
Long-term Safety
SmPC
None
Dosage information for patients with renal impairment is
provided (Section 4.2).
None
Clinical experience beyond 52 weeks is not available
(Section 4.2 and Section 5.1).
Limited Data in
Long-term Efficacy
SmPC
Patients with
Moderate and
Severe Hepatic
Impairment
SmPC
Use in Patients of
Different Racial
Origin
Routine risk minimisation activities are not deemed
necessary as no specific risk in patients of different racial
origin has been detected for apremilast. The safety concern
can be addressed by conducting active monitoring with
routine pharmacovigilance.
None
Live Vaccination
Routine risk minimisation activities are not deemed
necessary as no specific risk has been detected for
apremilast. The safety concern can be addressed by
conducting active monitoring with routine
pharmacovigilance.
None
EMA/CHMP/476353/2014
None
Clinical experience beyond 52 weeks is not available
(Section 4.2 and Section 5.1).
None
Dosage information for patients with hepatic impairment is
provided (Section 5.2).
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Potential
Pharmacokinetic
Interactions of
Apremilast
Metabolite M12
None
None
2.9. Product information
2.9.1. User consultation
The results of the user consultation with target patient groups on the package leaflet submitted by the
applicant show that the package leaflet meets the criteria for readability as set out in the Guideline on the
readability of the label and package leaflet of medicinal products for human use.
3. Benefit-Risk Balance
Benefits
Beneficial effects
Psoriatic arthritis
A treatment effect in favour of apremilast (mACR primary endpoint 18.3% at week 16 and 15.8% at week
24 p<0.0001) was demonstrated for APR30mg BID across the three studies in patients who have
previously failed or have not responded to prior DMARD therapy in terms of treatment of symptoms and
clinical indices of articular disease activity both for those on DMARDs (small molecule and biological) and
for those not on DMARDs at baseline. Improvement in the signs and symptoms of PsA, as measured by
the modified ACR 20 response at week 16, continued up to Week 52 across all three pivotal Phase 3
studies.
Improvement in physical function was evaluated using HAQ-DI score, SF-36v2 physical functioning
domain score statistically and nominally significant improvements were seen across both these endpoints
across all three studies at week 16 and were maintained across week 24 and 52. Improvement in physical
function evaluated using HAQ-DI was supported by a change from baseline in the average HAQ-DI score
of -0.2 across all three studies for APR30mg BID The HAQ-DI score was also maintained between Week
24 and Week 52.
The results of the ACR20 analysis were supported by the results of the modified PsARC, DAS28[CRP],
EULAR good/moderate response) analyses. A positive treatment effect was also observed irrespective of
the number or type of prior small-molecule DMARD or biologic used.
A consistent, improvement in modified ACR 20 responses, compared to placebo, was observed
irrespective of whether apremilast was given alone (approximately 35% of subjects) or in combination
with concomitant small-molecule DMARDs (approximately 65% of subjects).
Improvements in extra articular manifestations of psoriatic disease (PASI-75, MASES, dactylitis severity
score), and health-related quality of life (SF-36v2 PCS score, FACIT-Fatigue score) at Weeks 16 and 24,
and these improvements were broadly maintained at Week 52 with continued apremilast treatment.
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There was no formal comparison of efficacy between the APR 20 BID and APR 30 BID treatment groups
but in general higher and more consistent responses were observed for subjects receiving APR 30 BID
over APR 20 BID up to week 24 (the placebo –controlled period).
Plaque Psoriasis
Efficacy has been demonstrated for patients with plaque psoriasis for induction at 16 weeks and short
maintenance for an additional 16 weeks. Pooled analysis shows a statistical significant difference in favour
of Apremilast 30mg bid for PASI 75 at 16 weeks ( 26.2 % improvement) and s PGA (17.2 %
improvement) versus placebo, and 15.9% of patients achieving both PASI 75 and sPGA 0-1 at 16 weeks,
with higher efficacy observed at later time points.
Continued treatment shows maintenance of effect of PASI and s PGA in weeks 16 to 32, and patients
continued on treatment having significantly longer time before loss of PASI 75, PASI 50 or s PGA is
observed at week 32 to 52.
Also patients who were treated with placebo in the randomised withdrawal phase showed significant
responses following retreatment with Apremilast 30mg BID.
Uncertainty in the knowledge about the beneficial effects.
Psoriatic arthritis
The pivotal studies are placebo controlled. While this complies with the CHMP guidance and scientific
advice it would have been helpful if an active controlled arm had been included. The CHMP however
considered that the lack of comparator data does not preclude impact othe B/R of apremilast. The data
after stopping therapy (i.e. a randomised withdrawal phase) have not been evaluated in this program this
would have been useful in terms of evaluating the effect of withdrawal of treatment on persistence of
effect, the possibility of treatment holidays etc. No radiographic evidence of a disease modifying effect
with apremilast is available in patients with psoriatic arthritis. The available nonclinical and clinical data
(in patients with RA) do not indicate that any unexpected, deleterious effects or MRI evidence of inhibition
of structural damage on cartilage, bone, or joints occur following treatment with apremilast.
The treatment effects relative to placebo are modest for the primary and key secondary endpoints. In
terms of improvement of non-articular manifestations of psoriatic disease there was very little evidence
of a treatment effect in enthesitis as evidenced by the change in MASES scores from baseline.
Inclusion of patients who have a contraindication to a DMARD therapy in the apremilast indication has not
been adequately justified. The applicant agreed to update the indication as follows: “Otezla, alone or in
combination with Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), is indicated for the treatment of
active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adult patients who have had an inadequate response or who have been
intolerant to a prior DMARD therapy”.
The CHMP also concluded that while apremilast has been shown to improve physical function. The MCID
for HAQ-DI in psoriatic arthritis has not been clearly established. The statement: “Otezla has been shown
to improve physical function” has therefore been removed from the indication by the applicant.
Plaque Psoriasis
As a higher dose than 30 mg BID was not studied in the phase 2 dose finding study a full characterisation
of the dose response has not been shown, however as a clinically relevant effect was demonstrated this
does not impact on the B/R of apremilast.
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A justification that the efficacy data support a broad indication in patients in need of systemic therapy was
considered inadequate, in particular since an active comparator study with a conventional systemic
therapy has not been presented for assessment. It is therefore difficult at the present time to put the
efficacy of this product into context with other systemic therapies. The applicant has agreed to amend the
indication to a second line systemic treatment as follows:”adult patients who failed to respond to or who
have a contraindication to, or are intolerant to other systemic therapy including cyclosporine,
methotrexate or psoralen and ultraviolet-A light (PUVA)”.
With prolonged use a lowering and loss of PASI 75 score is observed at 52 weeks compared with maximal
scores achieved at 24-28 weeks, this is also observed for s PGA. As psoriasis is a chronic condition which
may require prolonged treatment efficacy data beyond 12 months is not known. However longer term
safety and efficacy is being explored, both PSOR-008 and PSOR-009 studies are ongoing through their
completion up to a total of 5 years of apremilast administration, the applicant will provide the clinical
efficacy data after the completion of these studies (as described in the RMP).
Risks
Unfavourable effects
The adverse events and risks related to apremilast have been characterised in a large safety database.
The adverse event profile appears similar to other phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors.
The most frequently reported treatment related adverse events were diarrhoea, nausea, headache,
respiratory tract infection and nasopharyngitis. A dose effect was observed for diarrhoea, nausea and
headache. The majority of adverse events were of mild to moderate intensity.
Uncertainty in the knowledge about the unfavourable effects
Weight loss of up to 2 kg was also observed in the apremilast treated group. This weight loss could be
exacerbated or become clinically significant in subjects with a low BMI who commence treatment or in
subjects with persistent diarrhoea or intolerability. This has been addressed in the product information
and in the RMP.
The data available regarding exposure in pregnancy is very limited- 11 babies born thusfar. Studies in
animals have demonstrated an effect on fetal growth and development. The applicant has updated the
product information stating that apremilast is contraindicated in pregnancy. Further information on the
potential risks of aprelimast during pregnancy will be provided through the monitoring of planned or
unplanned pregnancies exposed to aprelimast in a pregnancy exposure registry in the US. The final study
report from this registry will be provided by the applicant (as described in the RMP). It is not known
whether apremilast, or its metabolites, are excreted in human milk. A risk to the breastfed infant cannot
be excluded, therefore apremilast should not be used during breast-feeding.
Benefit-risk balance
Discussion on the benefit-risk balance
Psoriatic Arthritis
Apremilast is an orally administered treatment that has demonstrated some benefit in patients with
moderate to severe psoriatic arthritis who have been pretreated with DMARDs both small –molecule and
biological type. There is evidence that it is efficacious in combination with small molecule DMARD therapy
and as a monotherapy. There is some evidence of improvement in function and non-articular
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manifestations of psoriatic disease. The clinical significance of magnitude of the improvements in function
and in some of the non-articular endpoints is unclear. No comparator data is available. The
efficacydemonstrated in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis is modest but a favourable safety and
tolerability profile, and along with the benefit of an oral route of administration could result in better
patient compliance with treatment. The CHMP is of the opinion that a second line use of apremilast in the
treatment of psoriatic arthritis in patients who have failed treatment or can’t tolerate first line treatment
is approvable.
Plaque Psoriasis
Apremilast provides a novel oral therapeutic agent for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque
psoriasis patients who are in need of systemic therapy. The pivotal studies achieved the primary and key
secondary objective as a statistically significant improvement in plaque psoriasis was seen following
treatment with Apremilast 30 mg BID. The efficacy demonstrated in the treatment plaque psoriasis is
modest but considering the favourable safety and tolerability profile and along with the benefit of an oral
route of administration, could result in better patient compliance with treatment. A justification that the
efficacy and safety data support a broad indication in patients in need of systemic therapy was considered
inadequate, in particular since an active comparator study with a conventional systemic therapy has not
been presented for assessment. It is therefore difficult at the present time to put the efficacy and safety
of this product into context with other systemic therapies. The applicant has agreed to amend the
indication to a second line systemic treatment as follows:”adult patients who failed to respond to or who
have a contraindication to, or are intolerant to other systemic therapy including cyclosporine,
methotrexate or psoralen and ultraviolet-A light (PUVA)”.
Adverse events for patients exposed up to 12 months have been identified however the majority of
adverse event were mild to moderate intensity. Longer term safety data is being collected and forms part
of the RMP .The applicant has updated the product information stating that apremilast is contraindicated
in pregnancy. Further information on the potential risks of aprelimast during pregnancy will be provided
through the monitoring of planned or unplanned pregnancies exposed to aprelimast in a pregnancy
exposure registry (as described in the RMP).
4. Recommendations
Outcome
Based on the CHMP review of data on quality, safety and efficacy, the CHMP considers by consensus that
the risk-benefit balance of Otezla in the treatment, alone or in combination with Disease Modifying
Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adult patients who have had an
inadequate response or who have been intolerant to a prior DMARD therapy and the treatment of
moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis in adult patients who failed to respond to or who have a
contraindication to, or are intolerant to other systemic therapy including cyclosporine, methotrexate or
psoralen and ultraviolet-A light (PUVA) is favourable and therefore recommends the granting of the
marketing authorisation subject to the following conditions:
Conditions or restrictions regarding supply and use
Medicinal product subject to restricted medical prescription (see Annex I: Summary of Product
Characteristics, section 4.2).
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Conditions and requirements of the Marketing Authorisation
•
Periodic Safety Update Reports
The marketing authorisation holder shall submit the first periodic safety update report for this product
within 6 months following authorisation. Subsequently, the marketing authorisation holder shall submit
periodic safety update reports for this product in accordance with the requirements set out in the list of
Union reference dates (EURD list) provided for under Article 107c(7) of Directive 2001/83/EC and
published on the European medicines web-portal.
Conditions or restrictions with regard to the safe and effective use of the medicinal product
•
Risk Management Plan (RMP)
The MAH shall perform the required pharmacovigilance activities and interventions detailed in the agreed
RMP presented in Module 1.8.2 of the Marketing Authorisation and any agreed subsequent updates of the
RMP.
An updated RMP should be submitted:
•
At the request of the European Medicines Agency;
•
Whenever the risk management system is modified, especially as the result of new information
being received that may lead to a significant change to the benefit/risk profile or as the result of
an important (pharmacovigilance or risk minimisation) milestone being reached.
If the dates for submission of a PSUR and the update of a RMP coincide, they can be submitted at the
same time.
New Active Substance Status
Based on the CHMP review of data on the quality properties of the active substance, the CHMP considers
that apremilast is qualified as a new active substance.
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